SimTalk, January 2026

SIM TALK c/o the Register One Genetics Way, Bozeman, MT 59718 USA

www.simmental.org Printed in USA

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VOLUME 34 – NO. 1

Linking SimGenetics to Commercial Cattle

Table of Contents

IN THIS ISSUE 8

A Look at Beef Consumer Behavior

Consumer choice, and demand for beef, is driven by a variety of factors from shopping habits to eating experience.

by Lilly Platts

14

Balancing Cow Weight with Industry Demand

Dr. Jamie Courter offers insight on maintaining moderate cow size while meeting industry demand.

by Lilly Platts

18

IGS Multi-breed Genetic Evaluation EPD Updates

The International Genetic Solutions (IGS) and ASA team have recently made updates to four important maternal traits.

by Dr. Elizabeth Dressler, ASA Geneticist

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Selecting for Success with Sex-sorted Semen

Sex-sorted semen opens up many possibilities for producers, from targeted replacement heifer production to planned terminal matings.

by Lilly Platts

DEPARTMENTS 6

From the Editor

28

Industry Update

138

Calendar of Events

144

Rates & Policies

146

Ad Index

Bull sale season is in full swing across the country, with commercial and seedstock producers alike sourcing new genetics.

Photo by the Grant Company.

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ASA Board of Trustees

Linking SimGenetics to Commercial Cattle published by ASA Publication, Inc.

One Genetics Way, Bozeman, Montana 59718 USA 406-587-2778 fax: 406-587-9301 www.simmental.org email: register@simmgene.com

Canada Publications Agreement Number: 1875183

ASA Publication, Inc., Board of Trustees

Ryan Thorson, Chairman Scott Trennepohl, Vice Chairman Victor Guerra Troy Marple Quin LaFollette Dr. Jon DeClerck, Executive Secretary-Treasurer CEO Dr. Jon DeClerck

Business Manager Callie Cooley

Managing Editor Lilly Platts

Advertising/Editorial Coordinator Rebecca Price

Sales Manager Nancy Chesterfield

Media/Website Administrator Kathy Shafer

Design/Production Joel Coleman Jenna Haughian Gretchen Jensen

American Simmental Association

One Genetics Way, Bozeman, Montana 59718 USA 406-587-4531 fax: 406-587-9301 www.simmental.org email: simmental@simmgene.com

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Executive Committee Victor Guerra, Chairman Ryan Thorson, Vice Chairman Scott Trennepohl, Treasurer Troy Marple Quin LaFollette Dr. Jon DeClerck, Executive Vice President North Central Region Matt Aggen (2026) 27133 146th St Harmony, MN 55939 701.866.3544 mattaggen@hotmail.com Troy Marple (2026) 9450 Michaels Rd Westmoreland, KS 66549 785.250.0522 troy.j.marple@gmail.com Tim Clark (2027) 1999 18th St NW Turtle Lake, ND 58575 701.799.7752 Tim.Clark@hubbardfeeds.com Loren Trauernicht (2028) 901 E Pine Rd Wymore, NE 68466 402.230.0812 mtrauernicht@diodecom.net

Western Region Quin LaFollette (2026) 1476 Hwy 14A Powell, WY 82435 307.899.3553 Quin@Blacksummitcattle.com Chad Cook (2027) PO Box 174 Walsh, CO 81090 719.529.0564 bridlebitsimm@gmail.com Maureen Mai (2028) 427 Peaceful Way Bonners Ferry, ID 83805 208.660.2726 rymocattle@gmail.com Ryan Thorson (2028) 1725 Road 261 Glendive, MT 59330 406.694.3722 ryanthorson7@gmail.com

Eastern Region Brandi Karisch (2026) 648 Polly Bell Rd Starkville, MS 39759 225.717.3324 mbkcattle@gmail.com Scott Trennepohl (2026) 6591 W 625 N Middletown, IN 47356 765.620.1700 sttrennepohl@yahoo.com Chris Ivie (2027) PO Box 264 Summertown, TN 38483 931.215.0316 iviejc@usit.net Mark Smith (2027) 304 Moeller Rd Picayune, MS 39466 601.310.6695 smith5785@bellsouth.net

South Central Region Greg Burden (2026) 890 VZ CR 2205 Canton, TX 75103 405.780.0372 greg.gbcattle@gmail.com Victor Guerra (2027) PO Box 92 Linn, TX 78563 956.607.5515 vgg03@aol.com Greg Walthall (2027) 1051 NE 500 Rd Windsor, MO 65360 660.525.9921 gregwalthall@gmail.com Joseph Hensgens (2028) 136 Deer Park Ln Rayne, LA 70578 985.992.9119 joehensgens@yahoo.com

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FROM THE EDITOR

by Lilly Platts, managing editor

I had the privilege of attending several industry conferences last year, including the Beef Improvement Federation symposium in Amarillo, Texas.

They covered many topics over the course of the event, and one of my favorite presentations was about consumer behavior and demand. For producers, and people like myself, it can be hard to understand what the average consumer thinks when they make decisions about beef. Most of us simply don’t know what it’s like to be removed from the industry. I grew up being able to walk out to a freezer and grab packages of home-raised beef, and while my beef-buying behavior has changed a lot since then, that understanding is still firmly in place. Many of you know exactly where the beef you eat comes from, and might sell it to your neighbors. Where you live, your family, and many other factors are going to shape your understanding, and ability to understand the average consumer. This happens to all of us, which is why statistics, and looking at a situation from a wide lens, are so incredibly valuable.

Dr. Mandy Carr Johnson’s presentation focused on large consumer surveys about beef-buying behavior, in comparison with other proteins like chicken and pork.

This information was based on data leading up to June of 2025, which is important to mention, but the key takeaway was that demand for beef is high, and consumers are willing to pay for it. The data she presented on the widening gap between consumer willingness to pay and price per pound was interesting, and is even more topical today since beef prices have continued to rise. As Dr. Johnson said, we don’t want that gap to get so wide that consumers start choosing another protein over beef.

I know this is one of the most frustrating topics for producers, who have very little to no say in the price of beef, but it’s one we can’t avoid.

Eating experience, as expected, is still one of the most important factors influencing consumer behavior. Consumer satisfaction is high, especially compared to previous decades, which is great news considering the focus that has been dedicated to a quality end product.

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I am really picky when it comes to beef — anything that is tough, watery, dry, or rubbery — is an absolute no-go for me. Having said that, I know many people who would rather eat a tough steak than a chicken breast purely out of principle. This is to each their own, but again we have to consider the larger view here. You are probably choosing that sub-par steak because of your own investment in the industry, but the average consumer has no personal attachment to it. One poorly prepared steak might influence someone to never order steak again, especially if it was expensive. As producers, your main contribution is obviously raising highquality animals, but you can also send an email to a restaurant manager when your steak is done poorly, or offer feedback to your local grocer when you notice something that could negatively affect eating experience. You don’t have to go on a personal crusade, but simply saying something could improve things for the next customer.

Throughout all of these conversations, it’s critical that we maintain perspective, and respect for consumers.

Whether it’s understanding that the value you place on beef is going to differ from the average consumer, or being open to answering basic questions, there is a lot we can all do to make sure beef remains a top choice.

I hope this issue finds everyone well, and ready to tackle 2026. Please keep an eye out for the March SimTalk, and Sire Source, which will be hitting the mail in a few months!

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CORRECTION Black Summit Cattle, Powell, Wyoming, was mistakenly omitted from the Performance Advocate feature on page 8 of the 2025 Late Fall SimTalk. Black Summit Cattle should have been listed as a Dedicated Performance Advocate, with a score of 9.

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A Look

Beef Consumer Behavior

by Lilly Platts

Beef is one of the most popular proteins in the US, with demand remaining strong despite a higher per-pound price. Increased interest in protein intake and nutrient density has helped keep beef on dinner plates, as individuals cook more at home, and seek to maximize their diet. The modern consumer’s decisions surrounding food are far from simple, and always evolving. Dr. Mandy Carr Johnson shared about the factors that affect consumer behavior, trends, and what the industry needs to consider during the 2025 Beef Improvement Federation Symposium in Amarillo, Texas.

Who is eating beef?

Age demographics show who is buying the most beef, and which group will be the most important in the near future. Currently, Millennials (born 1981–1996) and Gen Z (born 1997–2012) make up the largest segment of the US population. Millennials are one of the largest-consuming populations influencing spending and buying habits across all foods, including beef.

Despite this, buying power still lies with Gen X, born from 1965 to 1980. “What distinctly differs is buying power,” Johnson said. “If you look at the ones with the greatest buying power, it’s Gen X. Most of their children

are out, or close to being out of the home, but they are still working, so they have more disposable income.”

With the Millennial generation being the largest age group in the US, their buying power will be especially strong once they reach this same life stage. “What we know is that today, there are consumers in more distinct categories in the marketplace than ever before,” Johnson explained.

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and Beef Checkoff regularly survey consumers about the key things that make up the decision to purchase or not purchase beef. Eating experience is consistently a top priority. “If you have a bad eating experience with any product, particularly beef, then for a consumer it might cause them to not eat it the next time,” Johnson said. “It is still one of the most critical factors influencing consumer decision to buy and consume beef.”

Convenience and versatility are priorities for consumers. Price is also a consistent factor in consumer choice, and Johnson emphasized that while producers have very little say in the price of beef on grocery store shelves, they can help promote the value of the product.

“What we can do is help consumers know how to utilize beef so they feel that the price they paid is worth it,” she said.

How beef is raised and grown, and nutrition are also top priorities among consumers in these surveys. Consumers have shown a steady increase in knowledge about how the food they eat is raised. Ounce per ounce, beef is the most nutritionally dense protein on the market, which continues to support demand.

Above: Most consumers source their beef in traditional grocery stores.

Opposite: Consumers continue to put the most trust in those who deal with the raising of beef cattle, as opposed to the media.

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What are consumers choosing?

Why are consumers choosing beef?

Chicken continues to outperform beef, with 43% of consumers saying it’s their number one choice compared to 36% saying they reach for beef first. Other proteins, including fish, pork, and plant-based fall far below at 13%, 4%, and 4% respectively.

The low price of chicken, convenience, and knowledge of how to prepare the protein all contribute to this preference. When surveyed about weekly choices, 83% of consumers said they eat chicken weekly, and 71% said they eat beef every week.

Data shows that consumers generally prioritize variety in their protein choices, which bodes well for beef.

“Consumers want choice,” Johnson explained. “They choose all of the different proteins across the week.”

Meat alternatives remain a topic of conversation within the industry, but consumer data puts this influence in perspective. Lab grown meats are not readily available to consumers in retail or food service, but many plant-based alternatives including alternative hamburger patties, chicken nuggets, breakfast sausage, and more can be found on most grocery store shelves.

Around 25% of consumers surveyed said they eat a meat alternative each week. Among this 25%, most also ate chicken, pork, beef, or another animal protein as well. Again, Johnson emphasized that choice and variety are a priority.

From the perspective of market share, alternative proteins take up less than a percentage point of the overall market. “We often hear a lot about plant-based proteins and taking market share, but I think it’s important to understand and have perspective,” Johnson said.

As the most expensive protein on the market, consumers who choose beef have to place real value in their decision, especially when choosing higher-end cuts. The dollars consumers spend on beef have grown fairly steadily since 2010, and were up a full 100% by 2024. This means that the eating experience is more important than ever. “One thing we do know is that now more than ever, consumers are spending more money on protein, particularly on beef. We have to be aware of that. It does provide a great opportunity as producers, and value for the animals we raise,” Johnson explained. “However, for consumers, we have to be cognizant of the money they are spending on proteins, including beef, being more of their budget. We have to be worth it.”

Consumers who choose beef have to place real value in their decision, especially when choosing higher-end cuts.

Eating experience can mean a lot of things. Johnson explained that as a meat scientist, her analysis of a cut of beef is going to differ greatly from that of the average consumer. Taste is a fundamental part of eating experience, and when asked to pick their favorite protein based on this single factor, beef wins by 25 percentage points over chicken. (continued on page 10)

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A Look

Beef Consumer Behavior

(continued from page 9)

Tenderness became a major topic of conversation in the 1980s and early ’90s. The National Beef Quality Audit, and National Beef Tenderness Survey were born out of the realization that beef needed to be more tender to improve consumer experience. At the time, consumers said one out of every four steaks they consumed were not satisfactory. Today, that has improved dramatically, with 85–95% of consumers reporting a favorable eating experience both at home and in restaurants.

Where are consumers eating beef?

The Covid-19 pandemic shifted eating habits dramatically, with at-home cooking no longer being optional.

This trend has stuck since, with 94% of consumers reporting that they are preparing more meals at home.

Where consumers purchase beef is also an important consideration. Most consumers — 73% — primarily purchase beef at a traditional grocery store. Mass merchandisers like Walmart account for 38%, and club stores like Costco are the primary choice for 24% of consumers. Only 3% of consumers report primarily purchasing their beef directly from producers.

Online shopping, including grocery pickup or delivery, has increased steadily. Data shows that the younger the consumer is, the more likely they are to purchase their groceries online. Across all age groups, the majority of consumers shop mainly in-store, and partly online.

“As you move toward metro areas, online grocery shopping is more and more a part of everyday life. We want to be there for consumers,” Johnson explained.

How much are consumers spending and why?

In terms of dollars, beef occupies the majority of retail fresh meat sales. The price is higher, and consumers are also purchasing more beef. “Consumers want beef, and they are willing to purchase any that we have that we are not exporting,” Johnson said.

The gap that is appearing between consumer willingness to pay and average price needs to be monitored.

This is good news for the industry, but Johnson warns that the gap that is appearing between consumer willingness to pay, and average price needs to be monitored. Higher beef prices have caused shifts in the cuts consumers are choosing, with many moving to lowerpriced cuts. “They still want beef, but they may not pick 10

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steak as often and trade to another beef item. What we don’t want is them trading out of the beef category for another protein,” Johnson shared.

Consumers report increased measures to help with their budget, including looking for deals and coupons, less dining out, finding more ways to use leftovers, stocking up, and buying store or private labels instead of name brand.

Other proteins, with the exception of plant-based, are also trending upward. Mediterranean, keto, and other diets that prioritize protein have become increasingly popular. The increased use of GLP-1 medications is also contributing to increased protein intake, with doctors encouraging patients to also focus on hydrating, eating vegetables, and consuming protein.

Many consumers are reaching for beef while following these diets, but chicken continues to be perceived as the most healthy. Studies in the 1980s and ’90s, which encouraged low-fat diets, did damage to consumer perception of beef that still has an effect today. “They [consumers] still believe chicken is a healthier protein, which goes back decades,” Johnson explained.

Do consumers trust beef?

How beef is raised matters to many consumers, and this interest has increased steadily over the years.

Animal husbandry and environmental impact are considered by some consumers, which has led to the increase in “raising claims” on beef products, from grass-fed and sustainable, to antibiotic-free.

How beef is raised matters to many consumers, and this interest has increased steadily over the years.

The news and media have a major influence on consumer interest in this area. Data analyzed by the NCBA and Beef Checkoff showed that the sentiment of the traditional news media, including TV and print, was overwhelmingly neutral, with positive mentions outweighing negative. On social media, these mentions were still overwhelmingly neutral, but negative narratives outweighed the positive.

Once again, chicken outperforms beef in public perception, with 70% viewing beef as positive, and 81% viewing chicken as positive. When specifically asked about production, 43% viewed beef as positive, with 37% being neutral, and 19% negative. Johnson explained that this large swath that reported being neutral either wants to know more information, or does not care.

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Animal welfare was the top priority reported by consumers, with two-thirds claiming to consider how the animal was raised when purchasing meat. Onequarter of consumers reported that they are familiar with how cattle are raised for food. Among Gen Z consumers — the youngest group with buying power — 89% claimed to consider animal welfare.

Farmers and ranchers, veterinarians, and federal agencies were chosen as the most trustworthy sources by surveyed consumers. “Consumers have more trust in individuals who are actually engaged with the animals,” Johnson said.

When presented with information about Beef Quality Assurance, consumer perception of the program was good, with positive perceptions of the overall industry improving by 26 points after exposure to the program.

Johnson concluded that being open to questions is the number one thing producers can do to close this gap in understanding among consumers. “When we look at those things, the most important thing we can do to alleviate those concerns is talk about the care we give to cattle under our purview,” she said.

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Key Takeaways Beef demand remains strong, but buyers are more diverse and selective than ever—spanning multiple generations with different expectations for taste, convenience, and values.

Taste and eating quality drive purchases, with beef maintaining a strong lead in flavor satisfaction, though price sensitivity may cause some consumers to “trade down” within the beef case.

Shopping habits are changing in that younger generations increasingly prefer online grocery options. This means beef must be easy to find and buy digitally as well as in-store.

Health and nutrition trends favor protein, positioning beef well if producers and marketers clearly communicate its lean, nutrient-rich qualities and modern trimming standards.

Trust and transparency are crucial, as consumers want to know how cattle are raised.

Programs like BQA and authentic storytelling from producers build confidence and keep beef relevant for future generations.

How cattle are raised, and husbandry, are top concerns for consumers.

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Cow Weight with Industry Demand

by Lilly Platts

The industry’s push for larger carcass weights continues to put pressure on commercial producers who must also maintain a productive, profitable cow herd. Dr. Jamie Courter, Assistant Professor and State Beef Extension Specialist at the University of Missouri, explored this dichotomy during Fall Focus 2025.

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ptimizing efficiency and productivity are central goals for all cow-calf producers. The end product and the demands of the packer are also a consideration, and often go against what is best for long-term cow-calf profitability. Bigger cows can produce bigger calves, but at what cost? Courter shared that the push for bigger carcass weights will continue in the future, and because of this, focusing on cow herd efficiency and profitability is more important than ever. “Whether we’re talking about the end product, or selling a weaned calf, your motivation should still be the cow,” Courter shared.

Mature cow size has been steadily increasing over time, which is evident in data across breed associations.

Courter evaluated Angus, Red Angus, and Simmental trends, and saw a uniform trend throughout. “Regardless of breed, we are increasing cow size,” she said.

but if the female that raised that calf required more input, those extra dollars may cancel out. “Yes, heavier calves make more money, but if we think about fixed resources, smaller cow size and more moderate weaning weights aren’t always a bad thing,” she said.

Many beef cattle traits are optimized somewhere in the middle, like docility, and Courter believes the same is true for cow size. An 1,100- to 1,200-pound cow usually strikes the right balance between input and productivity, and Courter encourages producers to look at their output as pounds weaned per acre, as opposed to individual cow performance. “The key is to avoid cows that are over 1,400 pounds, and that are consuming more nutrients than they are providing you in profit,” she said.

“The data shows that mature cow size is an intermediateoptimum trait.”

Birth weight is as frequently discussed as mature cow size, and is another important factor in optimizing productivity. There are several EPD associated with birth, including calving ease direct, calving ease maternal, and birth weight. Calving ease direct predicts the probability of a first-calf heifer experiencing dystocia; calving ease maternal predicts the probability of firstcalf daughters experiencing dystocia; and birth weight predicts the calf’s weight compared to the breed average.

The cow-calf phase of the production cycle accounts for 74% of the overall input required to produce one pound of carcass weight, and the bigger the cow, the higher this number is.

The cow-calf phase of the production cycle accounts for 74% of the overall input required to produce one pound of carcass weight, and the bigger the cow, the higher this number is. “A 30% larger cow will consume 22–28% more dry forage matter,” Courter shared.

“Mature cow weight matters.”

Courter encourages producers to think about their cow herd as a whole unit, as opposed to individual animals. Heavier calves may bring more on sale day, 14

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Crossbreeding is one of the most valuable tools for increasing productivity without increasing input costs.

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Courter shared that producers often put emphasis on the wrong trait. “Time and time again, producers think that birth weight is equivalent to calving ease, especially on the commercial side,” she explained.

Using correlations, Courter explained that birth weight and calving ease are genetically related, but not the same trait. Conversely, the correlation between calving ease direct and the percentage of unassisted births is high. This means that producers who select primarily for birth weight may only be starting off with lighter, more issue-prone calves, and not actually solving dystocia problems. “When we select for low birth weight, we are not solving the problem,” Courter shared. “Selection for birth weight does not ensure calving ease. It just creates light calves.”

“Selection for birth weight does not ensure calving ease.

It just creates light calves.”

Data shows that calves that start out lighter will also be lighter at weaning and yearling. Commercial producers often use birth weight over other calving EPD when selecting bulls, which may lead to long-term financial loss. If calving ease direct predicts that a firstcalf heifer can have a 60-pound calf unassisted, then putting emphasis on birth weight and pushing that weight down to 50 pounds is only taking pounds away long-term. “We need to be having these tough conversations with our commercial buyers,” Courter shared.

Crossbreeding is one of the most reliable methods for increasing productivity while maintaining input costs,

Above: Dr. Jamie Courter shared about the implications of cow size, and potential strategies for balancing productivity with cost.

Below: Cow size has a significant impact on input and overall production cost.

and Courter emphasized this. “We know that crossbred cows raising crossbred calves wean over 23% more weaning weight per cow exposed,” Courter said. “Crossbreeding and mating systems will increase the resources we have while keeping cow size moderate.”

Courter encouraged producers to consider crossbreeding systems, as well as maternal and terminal herds.

(Continued on page 16)

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Balancing Cow Weight

Industry Demand

(Continued from page 15)

Increasing carcass weights while keeping cow size moderate is difficult, and while genetics and technology have produced bulls and cows that “do it all,” genetic potential can only go so far. Pushing the cow herd to meet end-product demands could have negative long-term effects. “If we want to avoid doing that to our cow herd, we need to start thinking about the story differently,” Courter explained. “We need to start thinking about creating maternal cows that will be the factory, while also creating terminal animals that are all pounds weaned,” Courter shared.

Specific crossbreeding systems have been considered labor- and resource-intensive in the past, but Courter countered this belief. Other industries, like dairy, have been successfully using sexed semen and technology to create maternal and terminal crosses. “With the advent of AI, sexed semen, and genomic testing, we are past that. We are past the argument of it being labor-, cost-, and resource-intensive,” she said.

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Through crossbreeding and technology, producers can meet the demands of the industry while also maintaining profitability in the cow herd.

Courter concluded that through crossbreeding and technology, producers can meet the demands of the industry while also maintaining profitability in the cow herd. “My challenge to you is this. How can we adopt technology to meet what the market is telling us, and at the same time, not detrimentally impact our cow herd?”

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EPD Updates

by Dr. Elizabeth Dressler, ASA Geneticist

The International Genetic Solutions (IGS) and ASA team have recently made updates to four important maternal traits.

Mature Weight and Cow Energy Requirement EPD Released in Research Format Expected progeny differences (EPD) for mature weight (MW) and cow energy requirement (CER) have been released by the American Simmental Association (ASA) in a research release format. Mature weight and energy requirements have a direct economic impact through cow salvage value and annual feed costs.

These EPD provide breeders with tools to better assess cow productivity and efficiency.

The MW and CER EPD were developed by International Genetic Solutions (IGS). IGS and ASA are committed to the development of genetic tools that aid breeders in making selection decisions on economically and commercially relevant traits.

MW EPD

The MW EPD is expressed as the difference in pounds of cow body weight at six years of age and a body condition score (BCS) of 5. A higher MW EPD indicates a genetic tendency for heavier daughters at maturity, while a lower MW EPD indicates a genetic tendency for lighter daughters at maturity. For example: Bull A = 100 MW EPD Bull B = 50 MW EPD

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You would expect daughters from Bull B to weigh 50 pounds less, on average, at age six and BCS 5 compared to daughters from Bull A. Mature cow weights can be collected at any age after yearling. Entire cow groups should be weighed on the same day and within 45 days of weaning their calf.

Members are encouraged to take a BCS at the same time as mature weight collection. Entire cow groups should be scored on the same day, and by the same person, for contemporary grouping.

Members can submit weights and BCS for cows of any age between two and 12. Records on the same cow across multiple years are also accepted.

Please scan the QR code for more information on mature cow weight and BCS.

CER EPD

The CER EPD is expressed as the yearly difference in pounds of total digestible nutrients (TDN) required for a cow aged six years. A lower CER EPD indicates a genetic tendency for daughters that require less energy to support production, while a higher CER EPD indicates a genetic tendency for daughters that have higher energy demands. For example: Bull A= 100 CER EPD Bull B= 50 CER EPD

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You would expect daughters from Bull B to require 50 pounds of TDN less per year at age six, on average, compared to daughters from Bull A. Birth weight, milk, and mature weight EPD are utilized in prediction equations to estimate cow energy requirements representing the primary cow energy expenditures: gestation, lactation, and maintenance.

To view the research release of MW and CER EPD on high-use sires and high-accuracy MW and CER EPD animals, please scan the QR code below. As research EPD, these traits will not yet be evaluated weekly or published on an animal page on Herdbook.org.

As part of their development, these EPD have undergone an extensive validation process. Membership is encouraged to review the research release predictions for MW and CER.

To view the research release of MW and CER EPD on high-use sires and highaccuracy MW and CER EPD animals, scan the QR code.

Updates to CED and CEM Genetic Evaluation IGS has updated the calving ease direct (CED) and calving ease maternal (CEM) genetic evaluation. These updates have increased the efficiency and prediction accuracy of the evaluation. Three updates were made as outlined below.

1. Breed and Decade Interaction Effect. Previously, a breed and decade interaction was fit as a random effect. Some breed x decade groups had sparse representation causing decreased evaluation efficiency. Now, breed and decade effects are decoupled, or fit as two separate effects.

2. External EPD Incorporation. Previously, external EPD were included directly in the coefficient matrix. Now, external EPD are included after the internal EPD analysis. This will allow the impact of external EPD information to be more clearly compared.

3. Marker Effects. Previously, marker effects for maternal effects were not included. Now, methodology has been developed that has the ability to fit marker effects for direct and maternal effects simultaneously. CEM EPD are now genomically enhanced. In addition, updates to the covariances between marker effects for different traits included in the evaluation were also updated.

Opposite: Mature cow weight and energy requirements are critical measurements for predicting profitability.

Above: The predictions for both calving ease direct (CED), and calving ease maternal (CEM), have recently been updated and improved.

These updates have undergone an extensive validation process and prediction accuracy of the CED and CEM genetic evaluation has improved. Members may see slight re-ranking as a result of these changes.

Members with any questions regarding either of these updates or specific animals’ EPD can reach out to Dr. Elizabeth Dressler, ASA Geneticist, at edressler@simmgene.com.

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Selecting for Success with

by Lilly Platts

Sex-sorted semen opens up many possibilities for producers, from targeted replacement heifer production to planned terminal matings.

The process of sorting semen creates challenges, which Dr. Jordan Thomas, University of Missouri, discussed during Fall Focus 2025.

Sex-sorted semen allows producers to make more specific mating choices.

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Sex-sorted Semen Adds Options Thomas began by explaining that to understand the potential benefits of sex-sorted semen, producers need to consider the basic financials of the cow-calf cycle.

The number one cost cow-calf producers incur is feed, most of which goes into the cow herd. The second highest cost is replacing open cows, either by developing replacements or purchasing females. For producers who breed for their own replacements, setting those females up for success starts at conception. Females that breed earlier in the season and calve earlier not only have more time to recover and re-breed, but their female offspring are older and consequently start their productive cycle in a better place.

Using 60-day breeding and calving seasons as an example, Thomas explained that the yearly cow-calf cycle is undeniably demanding for females. A cow that gets bred early in the 60-day breeding season will calve at the start of the 60-day calving season. Factoring in a 283-day gestation period, that female will have around 82 days between calving and the next breeding season to recover. A female that breeds at the end of that 60day cycle will also calve at the end of the 60-day calving season, and only have around 22 days to recover.

Females go through a postpartum anestrus period (no heat cycle), and the female that only has 22 days to recover is not going to suddenly jump to the beginning of the 60-day breeding season. “These later-conceiving, later-calving cows don’t just magically become earlierconceiving cows next year,” Thomas said.

The first breeding and calving season is especially demanding for heifers. Thomas shared that common advice has been to only select heifers born toward the beginning of their calving season, which ensures that they will be more mature when they enter the production cycle. Sex-sorted semen can give producers the option to further home in on the production of replacement heifers both by selecting specific genetics, and also selecting a group of cows to calve earlier in the season. While it might be prohibitive to breed the entire cow herd earlier in the season due to weather or other factors, it could be feasible to do so with a smaller group of females selected exclusively for producing replacements.

Maternal crosses are only one side of the coin with sex-sorted semen. Commercial producers can select more heavily for terminal traits, like carcass and growth, or seedstock producers can be more specific in their matings to produce registered bulls.

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Common Challenges Thomas and his team are currently working on a USDA-funded research project focused on improving the success of sex-sorted semen. The process of sorting semen changes the structure of the sperm cell, which can create challenges. The head of each sperm cell has projections sticking out, and signaling molecules, which are eventually cleaved off in order to interact with the reproductive tract. “What happens with sex sorting is sort of like what normally happens with capacitation, which is this process of sperm cells acquiring the capacity to fertilize an oocyte. This normally happens in the tract, and with sex-sorted sperm cells, often a larger proportion of them have those important molecules cleaved off. This isn’t necessarily bad because they would go through a process like that anyway, but it changes their useful lifespan,” Thomas explained.

With conventional semen, the timeframe during which sperm cells are traveling and still fertile is longer than with sex-sorted semen. This means that breeding has to be closer in time to a female’s actual ovulation window with sex-sorted semen. Fresh semen can improve this, but logistically this is prohibitive for producers.

(Continued on page 24)

Above: Dr. Jordan Thomas presenting at Fall Focus 2025.

Below: Sex-sorted semen can give producers the option to further home in on the production of replacement heifers both by selecting specific genetics, and also selecting a group of cows to calve earlier in the season.

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Selecting

Success

Sex-sorted Semen

(Continued from page 23)

Another challenge Thomas and his team are interested in is the differences in fertility rates among bulls.

In some scenarios, a bull’s fertility will be different between conventional and sex-sorted semen. “Another thing we propose to address with this grant, which we have honestly really struggled with, is addressing that there are bull-to-bull differences in fertility with sexsorted semen. Just because a bull has high fertility with conventional semen, believe it or not, doesn’t even mean that he will successfully sort and freeze sexed semen that is viable,” Thomas said.

Tips for Success The shorter fertile lifespan of sex-sorted semen requires more accurately timed AI breeding. Tracking when estrus expression happens—riding, restlessness, etc.—is especially important when using sex-sorted semen. Thomas said, “I think we all forget this, but ovulation occurs quite a long time after the onset of behavioral estrus in cattle. It’s closer to 30 hours after the onset of estrus.”

AI synchronization protocols can be effective, but Thomas cautioned that with sex-sorted semen, tracking estrus expression is still important. Estrus detection aids, like patches, are a good tool for making sure a female has actually come into heat. Additionally, checking females for heat more frequently can improve the success of sex-sorted semen. “Devote time to check those animals at least three times per day,” Thomas shared. “The reason is, our best recommendation with AI and sex-sorted semen following detected estrus is to be closer to the 18–24-hour window after the detection of estrus for the actual AI to occur, rather than the 12hour time window that might be more acceptable with conventional semen.”

For example, a female in heat in the morning would still be bred at night with sex-sorted semen, but by adding a check in the afternoon, a female that is in heat midday could be bred the next morning instead of that evening.

Timed AI protocols are popular because when done correctly, producers can get high conception rates in less time, and with less labor. Thomas shared that if a producer wants to utilize sex-sorted semen, they should pick a synchronization protocol that is well-validated with sex-sorted semen, and one where animals actually express estrus before breeding.

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Being prepared and having a plan is essential for successfully using sex-sorted semen.

Sex-sorted semen can open up many possibilities for producers who want to be extremely selective in their mating decisions. Sex-sorted semen is more expensive than conventional, and producers should ensure that their system is set up for success. “I would only consider using sex-sorted semen if females have an activated estrus detection aid, and I would also have conventional semen on hand,” Thomas concluded.

Please scan the QR code for more information from the University of Missouri on using sex-sorted semen.

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Selling 160 Black Simmental, SimAngus™ and Angus Bulls Years

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Our Golden Anniversary Sale

Wednesday, February 4, 2026 • 12:30 PM – At the Ranch – Wibaux, MT 30 Purebreds, 110 SimAngus™, 20 Angus Sell.

50 are 18-month-old fall-borns, ALL ARE Black and Polled, most are homozygous black and polled.

Two-year-old heifer

COW EFFICIENCY AT ITS FINEST:

Sensibly sized and efficent

The basis of any good breeding program is the mother cow. Our motto is: “THE RANCHER COMES FIRST.” Every breeding decision we make is to improve our customer’s bottom line. BEGGER’S DIAMOND V RANCH provides the perfect blend of COW SENSE, COMMON SENSE and SCIENCE. We know the value of a good mother cow; she must be fertile, efficient and problem-free. She must have the staying power to produce a valuable calf year-after-year on her own, with no extra assistance in the environment mother nature provides. She must possess a low-maintenance, easy-fleshing body type that requires little or no extra input.

She has to have a problem-free udder and have a good gentle attitude with a set of feet and legs that will serve her until she exits your program at a ripe old age.

v We are your source for homozygous black and polled Simmental, SimAngus™, Angus genetics, the top 150 bulls out of 275 sell. v Many ½ & ¾ brothers sell in volume enabling you to assemble like bred genetics that are predictable and consistent. They will all add eye appeal and value. v From a program that does the day-to-day work. We calve, feed, and work around our cattle every day, so we know our cows if they become problematic.

They won’t see next year and their only way out is through a packing plant. v We are straight shooters. We honestly try to answer and meet our customer’s questions, needs and concerns.

Our bulls come with a complete 100% satisfaction warranty. If there is a problem we will make it right. v We provide free bull keep until April, along with a free breeding soundness exam and free delivery, for the first 500 miles on purchases over $5,000. v Every bull walks through the sale ring enabling you to see what you are buying. Some pictures and videos just don’t represent cattle as they should.

Raising cattle that work for the cow-calf producer, the feeder, and the packer, while providing an enjoyable eating experience for the consumer should be every cattle producer’s goal. Ranchers work hard and should expect their cattle to do the same. There are no shortcuts with today’s high inputs; your cattle have to be profitable and efficient. Blending EPD and genomic traits requires discipline, common sense, and patience. It doesn’t matter how impressive the EPD are or the size of calf at weaning. Cattle that lack efficiency and require extra labor and costly inputs are not desirable. This is why common sense and an experienced eye still play a major role in every breeding decision we make.

EXTREMES ARE EASY TO ACHIEVE, THE RIGHT COMBINATION OF BALANCE TAKES DISCIPLINE, PATIENCE, AND A LIFETIME OF EXPERIENCE TO PERFECT.

Look for us on Facebook

Bill Begger: 406-796-2326 / John Begger: 406-956-0151 darbegger@gmail.com / 482 Custer Trail Road / Wibaux, MT 59353

beggersdiamondvranch.com

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INDUSTRY UPDATE Build Back Better — Replacement Heifers Series Mark Z. Johnson, Oklahoma State University Extension

Part 1

In spite of recent market volatility, the strong market fundamentals and current status of the US beef industry remain unchanged, and can be distilled into a few short bullet points: • The lowest beef cow inventory since the early 1960s • The lowest number of feeder calves in the production chain since the 1950s • Strongest consumer demand for beef in several decades • Very little evidence (over past several calf crops) of heifer calves being retained to develop as the next generation of cows These factors indicate the robust values of all classes of cattle (and beef) we are seeing now should continue for several years. Why? Because of the biological time lag between heifers selected now to develop as replacements, and the 24 months before they would potentially wean their first calf to enter the production system. Furthermore, it is most likely the beef cow inventory of 2026 will be lower than 2025.

This current status is the result of droughts, the threat of New World Screwworm, the resilience of cattle producers, high input cost, and the great success story of cattle breeders improving the additive genetic merit of US cattle to consistently yield a high-quality, great tasting beef product to meet consumer demand.

The existing cow inventory will age out of production; therefore, replacement heifers are needed! This three-part piece targets cow-calf producers who are motivated by sustainable profit. Analysis of your production system, proper breeding objectives, mating decisions, and development ensure the replacement heifers you are bringing into production are the right fit for your environment and set your operation up for success over the long-term.

Heifer Development In order to maximize profit potential it is important to have heifers calving at two years of age. Research shows heifers becoming pregnant early in their first breeding season (specifically the first 21 days) remain in the herd longer and produce more total calf weaning weight over their lifetime in production.

How do we select and manage replacement heifers so that they are having fertile heats and ready to conceive by 14–15 months of age? Genetics, photoperiod, level of nutrition, and growth rate all influence when beef heifers reach puberty; that being said, heifers that have reached 65% of their mature weight by this age should have reached puberty and be ready to breed. Obviously,

age should be taken into account (along with other selection criteria) when selecting replacements, with older heifers having an advantage. Heifer calves born earlier in the calving season are produced by cows that conceived earlier in the breeding season.

After heifers are selected, how do we arrive at the target weight they need to gain from weaning until their first breeding season? First we need an accurate estimate of the average mature weight of the cow herd that produced the heifers. This can be calculated from weights taken at weaning time on the four- to seven-year-old cows, and adjusting to a Body Condition Score (BCS) of 5. If developing purchased heifers, target an optimum plane of growth having the heifers in a BCS of 6 by 14–15 months of age.

What is the best way to feed to reach that target weight? In a normal Oklahoma year, spring-born heifers weaned in fall can be grown on wheat pasture typically available by late November and gain 1.5 pounds per day (or better) to reach target weight. With wheat pasture conditions currently sporadic in Oklahoma, it is comforting to know that heifers can grow very slowly through the winter months and be fed harder for the couple of months going into breeding season in order to reach target weight by breeding season. In regard to gestating bred heifers due to calve next spring, target a body condition of 6 and 80% of their mature weight at first calving.

Part 2: Breeding Objectives and Selection Pressure

A breeding objective is the general goal of a breeding program — the notion of what constitutes the best animal. Selection pressure is applied to specific traits in order to meet breeding objectives. Selection pressure is a precious commodity and should not be squandered.

Especially in beef cattle breeding programs where the biological time lag from selection and mating decisions until replacement heifers become cows is lengthy, as compared to other meat animal species.

Determining the correct selection criteria and breeding objectives for your cow-calf operation is critically important (especially as it pertains to generating replacement heifers) as these have long-term impact on cow herd productivity and profit potential. For example, applying all selection pressure to weaning and yearling growth with no consideration of (strongly genetically correlated) mature cow size can leave a producer tethered to an excessively sized, higher-maintenance-input cow herd for at least a decade. Thereby, selection pressure applied to weaning and yearling growth relative to an acceptable upper limit of mature weight or mature height may lead to a more optimum outcome with regard to the value of calves sold annually and maintenance cost of the cow herd year-round.

Whether it is the purchase of herd bulls, picking AI sires, or which heifers will be kept from this calf crop to continued on page 32

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develop as herd replacements, over time, 80–90% of genetic change is the result of sire selection. Additive genetic change is cumulative and permanent.

Four facts should be known about a trait before applying selection pressure to it or including it in your breeding objectives. These are: 1. Heritability of the trait 2. Economic importance of the trait 3. Genetic correlation of the trait to other economically important traits 4. Measurability of the trait The final take-home point is this: determining breeding objectives and where selection pressure should be applied is unique to your operation. It should not be determined by your seedstock vendor who sells you bulls, or your neighboring cow-calf operation whose financial situation, forage base, and marketing endpoint for calves may be different from your own. Now is the time to consider the unique nature of your operation and give thought to breeding goals and where selection pressure should be applied in the next bull-buying season.

Part 3: Analyzing Your System

How do you develop breeding objectives and identify economically important traits on which to apply selec-

tion pressure in your cow-calf operation? The answer lies in understanding that your cattle (and their underlying genotype) are just one component of a much larger system. Your production system is a group of interdependent components. Animal-related systems vary from large, extremely complex systems such as the beef industry as a whole, to smaller (but still complex) systems like an individual farm or ranch.

To analyze your own unique cow-calf production system, consider the following: • Your cattle – specifically their genotypes • Your production environment • Your fixed resources and management • Economics Your cow inventory and bulls used are the means to produce the calves marketed. How would you describe the genetic potential and phenotype of your cow herd, bull battery, and calves produced? Is this description a good fit with the other components of your system?

Your production environment refers to all the elements involved in your cow-calf operation over which you have little influence. Examples would include altitude and soils; climate conditions like rainfall, wind, and temperature; as well as the quantity and quality of your forage base. Cow-calf production takes place in an continued on page 37

OPEN HOUSE and BID-OFF BULL & FEMALE SALE Saturday, February 14, 2026 – 12:30 PM (CT) SIMANGUS™ BULLS SELL SIRED BY

Hook’s Eagle 6E, Gibbs 9114G Essential, KBHR Bold Ruler H152, KBHR High Road E283 Hook`s Eagle 6E

ANGUS BULLS SELL SIRED BY

Tehama Patriarch F028, S Architect 9501, Square True North 8052, Schiefelbein Endgame 99

SIMANGUS™ HEIFERS SELL SIRED BY

Hook’s Eagle 6E, KBHR Bold Ruler H152, SF Cowboy H1, MR NLC Upgrade U8676

ANGUS HEIFERS SELL SIRED BY Rhodes Payweight 369, Rhodes Payweight 362

Tehama Patriarch F028

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* Two half-blood WagyuAngus heifers sired by Macquarie Prelude M0495 also to sell

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extremely wide variety of production environments. A cow herd of the correct genotype to fit their production environment will more efficiently convert grazed forage into pounds of calf raised.

Fixed resources include factors such as the amount of pasture you have for grazing, your ability to grow (or have access to) supplemental feeds, and available labor.

Management involves all the practices implemented by you. Examples include vaccination protocols, supplemental feeding, how long mature cows remain in production, and (very importantly), how and when calves will be marketed. Management also involves the selection and mating decisions you make to optimize genotypes in your production system in order to create profit potential.

Economics encompasses all the financial factors unique to your operation: the cost of inputs and value of outputs. Feed, fuel, fertilizer, equipment, and labor are input costs. Input expenses are significantly influenced by the cost of maintaining your breeding herd. Further, interest rates on debt and the equity you have in your land and cattle are very important economic factors that often influence marketing plans.

Considering all the components of your production system and how they interact with each other should determine breeding objectives and where selection pressure should be applied. This can result in genotypes that are an environmental fit, are aligned with marketing plans, and optimize the use of your resources.

Can We Shape Calves before Birth?

by Andrea Bedford, Bovine Veterinarian What if the most powerful determinant of a calf’s lifetime performance isn’t the genetics you select or the ration you feed, but the environment that calf experienced as a one-cell embryo? As research accelerates, developmental programming is becoming one of the most promising frontiers in cattle reproduction.

For two decades, the beef and dairy industries have focused relentlessly on improving fertility — and it worked. Conception rates rose, days open stabilized, and the long slide in reproductive performance reversed. With conventional reproductive efficiency nearing a functional ceiling, scientists are shifting attention upstream, where the environment itself may program the future trajectory of the calf. It’s well known that a resulting phenotype represents the consequence of genotype and environmental interactions. The performance of an animal depends on the genes they inherited, how much feed they get, whether they get sick, whether it’s hot or cold, and a plethora of other environmental factors.

“We’ve made tremendous progress in optimizing the environment that those animals are raised in by providing continued on page 40

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INDUSTRY UPDATE the best nutrition, the best housing, the optimal photo period, and treating disease with pharmaceuticals to optimize phenotype,” says Peter Hansen of the University of Florida. “But we usually do that after the animals are born. We don’t really think too much about what is happening to those animals when they’re embryos or when they’re fetuses or even when the germ cells are being produced.”

Evidence of Developmental Programming

Recent work has shown us the environment of the mother and the early embryo can affect the postnatal phenotype of that embryo. The environment of the fetus can affect what kind of calf it becomes.

When embryos are produced in vitro, they are put in an artificial medium. Under normal protocols, this culture medium is choline-free. Choline is a methyl donor that may factor into the one-carbon metabolism of bovine embryos. In the uterus, choline is present at millimolar concentrations.

Work led by Eliam Estrada-Cortes in Dr. Hansen’s lab investigated the effect of culturing bovine embryos with or without choline. They found choline-cultured embryos resulted in calves that were heavier at weaning with altered muscle DNA methylation.

“We’ve done this experiment three times, and each time the choline calves weigh more than the calves without choline. And that goes all the way through to slaughter,” Hansen says. A nutrient present (or absent) in the culture dish during critical development time can make a big difference.

The condition of the fertilizing bull can also affect embryonic development and quality. Arslan Tariq from the University of Florida investigated the effect of bull overnutrition on fertility, finding heavier bulls produced semen that delayed embryonic development and decreased embryo quality, without changes to sperm motility or fertilization rate.

Historically, seminal plasma is removed from sperm for artificial insemination as it contains elements that can be detrimental during storage. That being said, seminal plasma modulates the maternal environment in a significant way, impacting the establishment and maintenance of pregnancy. As a part of her PhD thesis, Gabriela Macay at the University of Florida evaluated the reproductive, health, and production performance of female offspring conceived in the presence of seminal plasma.

These animals had increased birth weights, increased milk yield, and had greater persistence in the herd compared to controls.

“What we now know is the environment of the mother that the early embryo is in can affect the postnatal phenotype of that embryo. The environment of the fetus can affect what kind of calf it becomes,” Hansen says. “And the environment of the bull.”

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How Does This Affect Reproductive Management?

Developmental programming shifts reproductive management from a focus on achieving conception to a broader view of how early-life conditions shape an animal’s long-term health, productivity, and resilience.

This expands the veterinary role from problem-solver to long-term system designer who helps producers make choices that shape herd-level outcomes years down the line.

The next revolution in cattle reproduction may come from understanding the earliest biological environment that determines how a calf learns to grow, metabolize, and perform.

Winter Supplementation and Body Condition Change Affect Cow Performance and Long-Term Calf Outcomes in Spring-Calving Herds

by Paul Beck, Oklahoma State University Extension Nutritional management of beef cows during the winter months has lasting impacts on reproductive performance of the cow, calf health, and overall herd productivity in spring-calving herds. Recent research evaluating minimal and flexible supplementation strategies using distillers grains-based protein supplements for May-calving cows grazing native range compared three programs: a low daily rate (0.5 pound/cow/day), a standard rate (one pound/cow/day), and a flexible strategy where cows were supplemented only during periods of environmental stress such as snow cover or cold rain. Supplementation began in January and ended about 30 days before calving.

Although cows receiving the lower supplementation rate were lighter at calving and tended to remain lighter at breeding, there were no differences among treatments in body condition score, pregnancy rate, calf birth weight, weaning weight, or subsequent feedlot performance and carcass characteristics. These results indicate that flexible supplementation during stressful weather can maintain productivity while reducing feed costs — a valuable option when winter feed prices are high.

Maintaining adequate cow body condition during late gestation, however, remains critical for both cow and calf success. Loss of body condition late in pregnancy can reduce colostrum quality and immunoglobulin content, weakening calf immunity, and increasing disease susceptibility. Severe nutritional restriction in late gestation also decreases birth weight, especially in young cows, and can compromise the calf’s immune development. Additionally, nutrient restriction during pregnancy has been shown to result in calves with lower weaning weights, reduced post-weaning and continued on page 44

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INDUSTRY UPDATE finishing performance, lighter carcasses, and less marbling — clear evidence that maternal nutrition influences lifetime growth and carcass quality.

This phenomenon, known as fetal programming, describes how poor nutrition, heat stress, or other challenges during gestation can permanently affect offspring performance and reproduction. Maternal undernutrition can delay puberty and lower fertility in replacement heifers while reducing feedlot performance and carcass quality in steers.

Collectively, these studies underscore the importance of managing cow nutrition strategically through the winter. Flexible supplementation programs can reduce costs without sacrificing reproductive success, but cows must maintain moderate body condition to support calf health, feedlot efficiency, and long-term productivity.

Well-planned winter nutrition programs enhance economic efficiency, animal resilience, and the sustainability of beef production systems in variable environments.

Take-Home Message

Flexible supplementation programs that target environmental stress periods can help reduce winter feed costs without compromising cow performance. However, maintaining adequate body condition through late

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gestation is essential to ensure optimal calf immunity, fertility, growth, and carcass quality. Investing in balanced winter nutrition not only supports this year’s calf crop — it builds long-term productivity, fertility, and resilience across the cow herd.

Healthy Lungs, Better Beef

by Maureen Hanson, Bovine Veterinarian The beef-on-dairy revolution has transformed the cattle industry in the US. In less than a decade, beef-ondairy calves have evolved from virtually non-existent to making up nearly one-fifth of the US fed beef supply.

The journey to the feedyard for those calves is quite different from that of their native beef pen mates. As this unique segment of the industry evolves, interest is growing in improving the systems that eventually bring those calves to market, from their dairy of origin to the packer.

In a recent I-29 Moo University webinar, Penn State University animal science graduate student Ingrid Fernandes presented results of her master’s degree research. The study examined the incidence of bovine respiratory disease (BRD) in beef-cross calves and its potential influence on fed beef performance. continued on page 48

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JBS Mr Eagle 211M Hook`s Eagle x JBS Miss High Road 028K PB SM • ASA# 4433025 High seller in our 2025 sale to John Hansen, Gregory SD

JBS Dakota Built 841M KRJ Dakota Made x JBS Miss Absolute 929F 5/8 SM • ASA# 4432976 High seller in our 2025 sale to TNT Simmentals, Lehr ND

JBS Mr Growth Spurt 940M Deer Valley Growth Fund x JBS Miss Pace 124G 1/2 SM • ASA# 4432925 High seller in our 2025 sale to Double J Farms, Garretson SD

KRJ Dakota Made J172 KRJ Dakota Outlaw x Double J Miss X066 3/4 SM • ASA# 3929093 Sire of several Lots in our 2026 sale

OTHER SIRES INCLUDE: OMF Epic, WBF Patton, Bridle Bit Resource, KBHR Bold Ruler, W/C Rest Easy, 3BS Earl, Dikeman`s Konza, JC Mr Pontiac, GW Hilger One, AFCR First Rate Contact us for a sale catalog.

Bulls had no creep feed. Free wintering until April 1 and semen tested.

All bulls will have Genomic Enhanced EPDs. The sale catalog & updated information will be available online.

THANK YOU TO ALL THE BUYERS AT OUR 2025 PRODUCTION SALE! Cattle pictures can also be viewed at: www.bendaranch.com Sale broadcast live on

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INDUSTRY UPDATE Her presentation, “Long-term Impacts of Early-life Bovine Respiratory Disease on Growth and Carcass Traits in Dairy Cross Cattle,” described the study that followed 143 calves from two Pennsylvania dairies from birth to harvest. The trial specifically focused on respiratory health and its long-term influence on animal performance.

Fernandes notes that according to 2017 USDA data, respiratory disease accounted for 32.7% of dairy calf mortality and 23% of death loss in beef calves. The same metric for beef-on-dairy calves is not currently known. She says dairy-style production systems, which vary considerably from a native beef calf’s upbringing, can leave calves vulnerable to BRD. “A calf’s immune system develops gradually over its first eight months of life,” she says.

“Everything that happens in that period can put them at risk of disease.”

Important stressors include castration, dehorning, transportation, dietary changes, dehydration, weaning, commingling, and vaccination. Fernandes notes these stressors are often stacked together in dairy-style systems. Additionally, beef-on-dairy calves might make several ownership changes in their first eight months of life.

“Major BRD pathogens are commensal; they are part of the natural microbiota of the upper respiratory tract in cattle,” she explains. “Stressful events lead to compromised immune systems. This may create an imbalance in the microbiota, allowing the pathogens to travel to the lower respiratory tract, where they can cause inflammation, tissue damage, and lung consolidation.”

Fernandes notes some calves with BRD exhibit obvious symptoms, while others display none. To positively diagnose BRD in the study, she and her team relied on thoracic ultrasonography at four days postweaning to detect

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lung consolidation. Based on a number of criteria, including the size of lung consolidation area, they ultimately sorted calves in the first phase of the study into one group of 37 BRD-positive calves and another of 106 healthy controls. None of the calves in either group received any sort of treatment for BRD. In terms of gain, an interesting phenomenon occurred. When evaluated up to 83 days of age, the calves with BRD suffered a loss in average daily gain (ADG) of about one-third pound per day. But when their performance was followed up to 238 days of age, they compensated for that lost gain and actually weighed slightly more than the controls by the end of that study period.

So, if they recovered, why worry?

The answer: meat quality. When the same animals were observed in the second phase of the study, which followed them through the feedlot and ultimately harvest, some surprising findings emerged.

Compared to the controls, the BRD-affected cattle showed no significant difference in ADG, hot carcass weight, dressing percentage, ribeye area, 12th rib fat thickness, or yield grade. But one area of vast difference did show up: marbling.

The calves with BRD had 7% lower marbling scores overall. In terms of quality grades, 34% of the healthy controls graded High Choice or Prime, while only 14% of the BRD calves achieved one of those grades. More specifically, the controls produced seven animals that graded Prime, while the BRD group had none. Cattle with BRD at weaning also tended to have 3.05 times greater odds of having a carcass graded Select than the control cattle that were healthy at weaning.

Fernandes attributes these results to intramuscular adipogenesis, or the development of fat cells within the muscle. It’s a process that begins early in life, and that’s where a health challenge like BRD can make a difference. continued on page 52

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INDUSTRY UPDATE “This is evidence that our management of beef-cross calves early in life can have lasting effects on their performance and ultimate value,” Fernandes says. “It points to our need for communication between industry segments and calf-rearing practices that reduce stress and disease opportunism.”

Striving for Improvements in Reproductive Performance

by Sandy Johnson, K-State Extension Producers know the importance of reproductive performance to the bottom line. Those who use artificial insemination want to maximize the number of AI-sired calves. This raises the question: what are reasonable expectations for AI and season-long pregnancy rates?

While industry-wide data on fertility is limited, several pieces of information shed light on this question.

First, consider a hypothetical herd of 100 cows, 60% of which conceive in the first 21 days, leaving 40 cows to breed in the second cycle. If the conception rate remains the same for the second cycle, then 24 (40 x .6) additional cows would be bred, leaving 16 head. Using the same logic for the third 21 days, ten (16 x .6) cows would calve

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in the third cycle for a total of 94 of 100 bred in three cycles. These values are similar to the calving distributions reported by NDSU in their Cow Herd Appraisal Performance Software database. The summary includes 88,000 cows from 2010 to 2017 and reports 60% and 87% calving by 21 and 42 days of the season, respectively. For yearling heifers, they report 42% calving early, 76% at 21 days, and 88% at 42 days. The overall pregnancy rate is reported at 93.7%.

Data from the Show-Me-Select Heifer program provides information on season-long heifer pregnancy rates. The overall average from 2010 to 2024, spring and fall seasons, is 85.6% with a range of 77 to 89%. The length of the breeding season is generally 60 days, but is not part of the data set.

How do AI and natural service inseminations compare? A report from Australian dairies from 1973 and 1974 found the first service pregnancy rate to AI was 57.5 ± 9.2 % (n=13,942 inseminations) and 58 ± 13.1% (n=6,310) for natural service.

A review summarized results from fixed-time artificial insemination studies in beef cattle from 1995 to 2021 (Monterio et al., 2023). A total of 228 manuscripts and 272,688 timed inseminations were included, and a minimum of 100 animals per treatment were required for inclusion.

Figure 1 shows box and whisker plots, which illustrate the distribution of the data. Briefly, the shaded box represents 50% of the values, the line that divides the shaded box is the median (50% of values above this line and 50% below), and the “x” is the mean or average. The point at which the vertical lines end represents the upper and lower values, and the dots represent values considered to be outliers.

Pregnancy per timed artificial insemination divided by genetic group and parity. Monteiro et al., 2023

For Bos taurus cattle, average fixed-timed AI pregnancy rates were 55.1% for heifers (nulliparous), 52.5% for first-calf heifers (primiparous), and 51.6% for mature cows (multiparous). Pregnancy rates in Bos indicus females with fixed-timed AI were 47% for heifers, 39.4% for first-calf heifers, and 50.9% for mature cows. Most of the inseminations were in Brazil, 56%, and largely Bos continued on page 56

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INDUSTRY UPDATE indicus breeding, followed by 36% in the US, representing a majority of Bos taurus genetics. Pregnancy per timed-AI increased 4.6% in Bos taurus females from the 2006–2010 period (52.9%) to the 2016–2021 period (55.1%). The increase during the same period was 6.6% in Bos indicus cattle.

Fixed-time AI pregnancy rates between 2010 to 2017 were compiled from the Show-Me-Select Heifer program. Heifers with infantile reproductive tracts were excluded. The most common protocol used was the 14day CIDR+PG. Heifers considered pubertal by reproductive tract scoring four to six weeks before AI had an average fixed-time AI pregnancy rate to this protocol of 52% (11,674/22,625), and those classified as preor peripubertal were 46% (4,765/10,280) for an overall average of 50%.

How did your expectations align with the data presented? Are you above average or below average? There are numerous factors that influence fertility outcomes, from cow and bull factors to the ways people interact with the process along the way.

References Bonacker, R., J. Thomas, J. Locke, E. Knickmeyer, J. Decker, S. Poock, and D. Patterson. 2023. The Missouri Show-Me-Select Replacement Heifer Program: II. Comparing pregnancy rates

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resulting from fixed-time artificial insemination based on reproductive tract score and estrous synchronization protocol. J. Anim. Sci. Suppl. S3. 96:89 Williamson, N.B., R.S. Morris, and G.A. Anderson. 1978.

Pregnancy rates and non-return rates following artificial and natural breeding in dairy herds. Aust. Vet. Journal 54:111-114.

Monteiro, P.L.J., Consentini, C.E.C., Andrade, J.P.N., Beard, A.D., Garcia-Guerra, A., Sartori, R., and M.C. Wiltbank. 2023.

Research on timed AI in beef cattle: Past, present and future, a 27-year perspective. Therio 211:161-171. doi: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.07.037

Five Tips for Vaccine Handling

by Andrea Bedford, Bovine Veterinarian Vaccines are one of the most effective and economical tools available to maintain herd health, reduce disease loss, and support animal well-being. However, even the best vaccine can fail if it’s not handled correctly. Dr. Jon Townsend, dairy technical services veterinarian with Merck Animal Health, recently touched on the topic.

“You’ve made the investment in those vaccines. You want to get the best response out of them. You want to get the best cow health possible,” Townsend says. continued on page 60

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INDUSTRY UPDATE

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Whether you’re working with calves, replacement heifers or mature cattle, following consistent vaccine handling practices ensures your investment delivers the intended immunity. Here are five key guidelines to keep in mind.

1. Store Vaccines at the Right Temperature

Vaccines are sensitive, biological products. Many must be kept refrigerated at a specific temperature range to remain effective.

• Use a dedicated refrigerator (not the one used for drinks and lunches), as frequent door opening causes temperature swings.

• Place a thermometer in the fridge to monitor temperature regularly.

• Avoid storing vaccines in the refrigerator door where temperatures fluctuate the most.

2. Don’t Mix All Your Vaccine at Once

Many livestock vaccines are sold as two-part products. Once mixed, the live organisms begin to break down. “Only mix what you’ll use in the next one to two hours if you have to mix up a vaccine,” Townsend advises. “Your modified live vaccines have to be mixed. So don’t mix a huge bottle that’s going to take the whole day to use. By the time you get to the last dose that vaccine has potentially degraded, and you won’t get the same response that you would have immediately after reconstitution.”

3. Keep Mixed Vaccines Cool and Out of Sunlight

Heat and sunlight can rapidly damage vaccines, particularly modified-live vaccines.

• Keep syringes and mixed bottles in an insulated cooler with cold packs.

• Do not place vaccine bottles on the chute, in your shirt pocket, or on a truck dashboard. continued on page 64

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INDUSTRY UPDATE • Check your cooler throughout the day to ensure cold packs are still cold and not melted.

Unsure about what cooler to use? Consider making it yourself. “You can either buy a fancy one, or you can make one yourself with an Igloo cooler and drill some holes,” Townsend says. In the end, the goal is the same.

“It’s really important to keep that vaccine cool. If you’re using a multi-dose syringe, make sure you’re keeping [it] cool between calves.”

4. Maintain Needle Cleanliness

Contamination can destroy vaccine potency and introduce infection to animals.

• Use new clean needles when drawing vaccine from the bottle.

• Do not set uncapped syringes or needles down on surfaces like tailgates or barn rails.

• If a needle becomes dirty, bent, or touches anything questionable, replace it.

“We need to be thinking about changing out needles more frequently than [we] did 30 years ago,” Townsend says. “Then disinfect the needle and syringes after use or dispose of them, and think about disinfecting multidose syringes.”

Townsend also highlights the importance of making sure there is no disinfectant residue remaining after cleaning as it has the potential to inactivate your vaccines. Producers and veterinarians should work together to set up protocols for syringe reuse.

5. Use Sharp, Appropriate Needles

A sharp needle ensures a clean injection and reduces animal discomfort.

• Replace needles regularly and check for sharpness.

• Choose needle size based on animal size, vaccine viscosity, and route of administration: Subcutaneous: typically 16 to 18 gauge, ½" to ¾" Intramuscular: typically 16 to 20 gauge, 1" to 1½" Townsend specifically warns about the development of burrs, small barbs or defects that can catch on skin, on your needles after too many uses. “If you wouldn’t want it going into your arm for a vaccine, you shouldn’t be putting it into a cow or calf either,” he says.

Tyson Announces Plant Closures and Changes

Tyson Foods announced plans to close its beef processing plant in Lexington, Nebraska, as well as convert its beef facility in Amarillo into a “single, full-capacity shift.” The announcement comes after the meatpacker reportedly suffered major financial losses and as the US cattle herd dropped to a nearly 75-year low.

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The US beef cow herd inventory is at the lowest point since the 1960s. Several years of drought, herd liquidation, and record-high feed costs have reduced the US cattle herd. Reports show Tyson’s beef business suffered a combined $1.5 billion in operating losses over the last two fiscal years. The major meatpacker is projecting an additional $400 million to $600 million in losses for the 2026 fiscal year.

Nebraska plant

The beef processing plant in Lexington, Nebraska, will permanently close in early 2026. As of November, Tyson had not announced a final closure date. The facility has reportedly been operating below capacity in recent months. The plant can process an estimated 5,000 cattle per day. Tyson said production will be increased at other plants to maintain supply. The plant has employed around 3,000 people.

“To meet customer demand, production will be increased at other company beef facilities, optimizing volumes across our network,” Tyson said in a statement.

“With these changes, Tyson Foods is ensuring that it will continue to deliver high-quality, affordable, and nutritious protein for generations to come.”

Amarillo plant

As part of the same restructuring effort, the company said it will eliminate the second shift (B-shift) at the Amarillo plant and convert the facility to a single, fullcapacity shift around January 20, 2026. Tyson’s Amarillo plant can harvest about 6,000 cattle per day, according to industry estimates.

Tyson said in a statement on its website that the restructuring aims to “right-size its beef business and position it for long-term success” by “optimizing volumes across our network.” This change will cut over 1,700 jobs.

USDA Launches Screwworm.gov

by Angie Stump Denton, Bovine Veterinarian The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently launched the new unified New World Screwworm (NWS) website, screwworm.gov. This dynamic new site centralizes NWS information available across the federal government and reflects the whole-of-government effort to fight this pest through implementation of Secretary Rollins’ comprehensive five-pronged plan.

“The Trump Administration is leading a whole-ofgovernment effort to protect our nation’s cattle industry from the New World Screwworm. To ensure timely and effective communications, this new unified website will be a one-stop shop for all screwworm-related information and will help our stakeholders be better informed as new information comes available,” Rollins says in a continued on page 68

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INDUSTRY UPDATE news release. “We are grateful for the robust interagency collaboration, and we continue to work every day with our state and industry partners to implement our screwworm plan. This is a national security priority and it has the full attention of our team.”

Screwworm.gov has targeted resources for a wide range of stakeholders including livestock producers, veterinarians, animal health officials, wildlife professionals, healthcare providers, pet owners, researchers, drug manufacturers, and the general public. It also has the latest USDA-verified information on cases and response activities in Mexico and US preparedness efforts.

NWS Update

In a press release Friday, APHIS shared an update on the battle against NWS. According to the release, USDA in close collaboration with its interagency partners and Mexico’s El Servicio Nacional de Sanidad, Inocuidad y Calidad Agroalimentaria (SENASICA), has made considerable progress in reducing the overall threat of NWS to US agriculture and mitigating northern movement of the fly within Mexico.

As of late November, NWS has not been detected in any animals or traps in the US, and the vast majority of cases within Mexico remain concentrated in southern parts of the country. The Trump Administration remains

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steadfast in its resolve to safeguard America’s rural economy, domestic food supply, and public health from this invasive pest.

“USDA is actively investing in physical infrastructure to expand our capacity for sterile fly production and dispersal, while APHIS’ technical experts continue their intensive work across multiple programs and disciplines to further strengthen our strategic planning and domestic preparedness,” the press release says.

Cross-Border Response and Collaboration

In October, USDA conducted its most recent audit of NWS response activities in Mexico. Evaluators documented great progress in management of NWS, with robust outreach and education, effective emergency response and treatment protocols, and expansion of the workforce and surveillance. While there is still work to be done, USDA and SENASICA are committed to continued collaboration to implement the joint NWS action plan.

“In the event of case detection in a new (previously NWS-‘Free’) location within Mexico, USDA teams are on the ground working alongside SENASICA counterparts to ensure treatment of affected animals, epidemiological tracing, local surveillance, and timely dispersal of sterile flies,” the release explains. continued on page 72

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INDUSTRY UPDATE The two isolated NWS cases in cattle in Nuevo León were categorized as “inactive” by SENASICA last month, after the animals received antiparasitic treatment and completed 21-day quarantines. No additional NWS cases or non-sterile flies have been identified through intensive surveillance and trapping in Nuevo León or any other border State.

As a precaution, APHIS will continue to direct the release of sterile flies across these northernmost detection areas until December. On November 11, an NWS case was detected in Guerrero State (502 miles from the US border).

As with the Nuevo León cases, USDA had a sterile fly dispersal plan in place within 12 hours of notification. As of November 21, the active case closest to

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the US is in central Veracruz State, around 425 miles from the border.

In early November, President Claudia Sheinbaum welcomed Secretary Rollins and her team to the National Palace to discuss continued collaboration on shared challenges including NWS, and the Secretary attended a separate meeting with SENASICA to review bilateral response activities. USDA Undersecretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs Dudley Hoskins accompanied Rollins on the trip and visited the State of Chiapas to review NWS containment practices and enforcement.

Protecting the Border and Maximizing Our Readiness

USDA personnel at the southern border continue to strengthen monitoring systems for NWS. APHIS has equipped counties along the southern border in Texas, Arizona, New Mexico, and California with approximately 120 monitored NWSspecific fly traps and more than 7,000 fruit fly “double duty” traps. To date, more than 30,000 US-trapped flies have been submitted for NWS analysis; as of November 21, all flies have been confirmed to be negative.

Meanwhile, APHIS Wildlife Services teams have examined at least 6,642 wild animals across 28 species in 120 US counties, finding all to be free of NWS infestation.

“Should this pest enter the United States in the future, we have the tools, resources, and response plans in place to rapidly contain and eradicate it,” the release stresses.

Following the October 17 release of the draft NWS Response Playbook, APHIS Veterinary Services has been actively collecting stakeholder feedback to ensure the playbook’s operational usability and alignment with State and Federal response capabilities. The playbook and accompanying materials are living, dynamic documents that will continue to be refined in the coming months; comments and suggestions may be submitted to fad.prep.comments@usda.gov. continued on page 76

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INDUSTRY UPDATE Taking the Fight to NWS

The release says COPEG’s sterile NWS production facility in Pacora, Panama, is operating at maximum production capacity (approximately 100 million flies per week). Aerial dispersal of sterile flies has continued uninterrupted in NWS-affected areas of southern Mexico, where joint response activities with SENASICA are largely focused.

On November 13, APHIS announced the opening of a new sterile insect dispersal center in Tampico (Tamaulipas State), allowing for aerial dispersal over the detection sites in Nuevo León and replacing the use of ground release chambers in that location.

“This investment represents an important step forward in the NWS response as it creates greater flexibility and predictability in our deployment of sterile insects across northern Mexico and along the border, if necessary,” according to the release.

Construction is progressing on the sterile fly dispersal facility at Moore Air Base in McAllen, Texas, and it is on track to be operational in early 2026. USDA also continues to work closely with the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) on planning for the domestic production facility for sterile flies.

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In early November, COPEG hosted a team of technical experts from USACE, who were able to observe the production process firsthand and learn about facility requirements.

USDA is in the process of finalizing details for the NWS Grand Challenge — up to $100 million of new funding to combat the pest and prevent its spread northward. They’re calling on innovators, researchers, and industry leaders to help enhance sterile NWS fly production and strengthen preparedness. Potential projects might include: enhancement of sterile NWS fly production; development of novel NWS traps and lures; increased understanding of NWS therapeutics/treatments in animals; or other tools to bolster US preparedness or response to NWS. Monitor screwworm.gov and the APHIS stakeholder registry for updates on this opportunity.

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$API: 106 $TI: 72

TJSC H-Town 131L

STCC Tecumseh 058J x TJSC Diamond 312H ASA# 4274275 • Black • Polled 2024 NWSS Champion Bull by STCC Tecumseh

$API: 90 $TI: 68

RJ Trust Fund 212K

W/C Bankroll 811D x Hara`s Kim Kardashian 1C ASA# 4147173 • Black • Polled Exciting, NEW, 3/4 Bankroll x Broker x Harietta for elite type!

$API: 137 $TI: 90

OMF Journeyman J24

Mr SR Mic Drop G1534 x OMF Deka D23 ASA# 3953637 • Homo Black • Homo Polled Hot outcross producing high sellers!

TL Off The Record 11M

TL Ledger x RJ Miss Ellie 7052E ASA# 4486508 • Black • Polled New, exciting sire from Tree Lane/Griswold

Herbster Dynamic 451M

4/B Dynamo x FRKG Countess 924J ASA# 4450609 • Homo Black • Homo Polled 2025 Hartman Sale Feature to Bailey, ND! Ultrasound with wild phenotype! Dam was $225,000 Freking record-seller.

$API: 174 $TI: 102

$API: 97 $TI: 71

EGL Firesteel 103F x WS Miss Sugar C4 ASA# 3812282 • Homo Black • Homo Polled Use him to make those next generation Purebreds.

Excellent foot shape and depth of heel.

WHF/JS/CCS Double Up G365

W/C Double Down x WHF Summer 365C ASA# 3658592 Double Up is by proven calving ease sensation Double Down out of the legendary WHF/Steenhoek multiple time champion WHF Summer 365C.

SRH Hannibal x Silver Lake Gold Digger ASA# 4265277 • Hetero Black • Homo Polled $55,000 high-seller at Springer Simmentals 2024.

Add mass & outcross pedigree.

EPD as of 11.18.25

ZTGC Just Cuz 52K

W/C Night Watch 84E x ZTGC The Blaze ASA#: 4063644 • Black • Homo Polled Jared Werning’s new & exciting balanced sire for profile & function!

$API: 98 $TI: 67

Revelation 2K

TL Revenant 35 x CSCX Bandwagon 513A ASA# 4153090 • Black • Polled $200,000 exciting outcross to improve all!

$API: 133 $TI: 86

LLSF Point of Proof M741

WHF Point Proven H45 x HPF Rite 2 Luv 398D ASA# 4443743 • Hetero Black • Homo Polled Improving calving ease, build, and eye appeal!

$API: 125 $TI: 77

SFIS Unstoppable J3

W/C Bankroll 811D x SFIS Crystal Gayle ASA# 3969316 • Heterozygous Black • Polled Awesome son of famous donor Crystal Gale that’ll improve depth, profile & structure!

$API: 107 $TI: 69

Brand New Man 001H

W/C Relentless 32C x Mr HOC Broker ASA# 3770588 • Black • Polled Ultra flexible joints with awesome design!

$API: 121 $TI: 75

Felt Perseverance 302F

W/C Executive Order 8543B x Rubys Rhythm Z231 ASA# 3493800 • Hetero Black • Homo Polled Perseverance is a new, exciting baldy Executive Order son with tremendous maternal genetics behind him. The first dozen calves out of him have been born light and easily out of first calf heifers.

$API: 103 $TI: 74

JBSF Berwick 41F

Rocking P Legendary C918 x JBSF 402B ASA# 3462584 • Black • Polled Newly available and producing extremely valuable progeny across the nation!

$API: 141 $TI: 91

$API: 129 $TI: 83

SAS Black Majic L334

Bet on Red x WLE Big Deal ASA# 4256400 • Red • Homo Polled ATO has foot size, excellent design & body dimension! His dam was a popular champion for Walsh, WI.

$API: 97 $TI: 71

EGL Firesteel 103F x WHF Summer 365C ASA# 4068398 • Homo Black • Homo Polled 3/4 Simmental. NEW and exciting calving ease and outcross pedigree with outstanding phenotype out of fantastic donor Summer 365C!

LCDR Affirmed 212H

Walsh Against The Odds

$API: 105 $TI: 67

$API: 143 $TI: 84

WHF/JS/CCS Woodford J001

$API: 116 $TI: 74

API: 162 $TI: 106

HL Tommy Boy K65

CLRS Guardian 317G x HL Ms Smooth Criminal E174 ASA# 4167626 • Homo Black • Homo Polled Blaze Calving ease Guardian son at Echard, IA, and Heartland.

$API: 124 $TI: 76

GOE Lets Roll 749J

W/C Bankroll 811D x W/C RJ Miss 8543 6105D ASA# 4141350 • Hetero Black • Homo Polled Lots of neck extension in a complete package!

$API: 121 $TI: 72

WHF Entourage H450

KCC1 Exclusive 116E x WHF Delilah 45D by TJ Main Event ASA# 3924201 • Hetero Black • Homo Polled WHF & Boyert’s exciting new herdsire!

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$API: 106 $TI: 72

$API: 145 $TI: 87

TJSC Coping with Destiny 9K

Rocking P Private Stock H010

WLE Copacetic E02 x TJSC Diamonds Destiny 134C ASA# 4103854 • Black • Polled 2023-2024 dominante Grand Champion!

$API: 130 $TI: 88

RP/BCR Eminence H005

WLE Copacetic x Rubys Wide Open ASA# 3701500 • Homo Black• Homo Polled Power & profile highlight at Buck Creek & RJ’s!

WLE Copacetic E02 x Rubys Wide Open 909W ASA# 3775641 • Homo Black • Homo Polled Private Stock was the 2022 Fort Worth Champion Bull and the 2021 NAILE Champion Bull.

LLSF Vantage Point F398 x Miss Sugar C4 ASA# 3858588 • Homo Black • Homo Polled Exciting, new sire that's ultra-complete out of one of the hottest donors!

KJK1 38 Special 801J

JSUL Something About Mary 8421 x R Built To Believe 801F ASA# 3972780 • Hetero Black • Hetero Polled Cool profiled SAM son with a cool face backed by a great cow family!

All Aboard x Erixon Bitten ASA# 3803257 • Red • Homo Polled One of the hottest red bulls to sell in 2021!

$API: 136 $TI: 71

2/F JWC Unassisted 675K

W/C Double Down x W/C RJ Miss 8543 6105D ASA# 4154132 • Homo Black •Homo Polled Exciting calving ease 3/4 blood in the top 2% for low BW. $40,000 second top seller in JWC’s 2024 Bull sale.

Mr Hoc Broker x Miss Werning 8543U ASA# 4389117 • Hetero Black • Hetero Polled $230,000 JWC 2025 high seller!

B C R Dialed In L111

RP/BCR Eminence H005 x DWC Becca 35F ASA# 4323168 • Homo Black • Homo Polled New, exciting ¾ bull at Beshears!

SO Remnant 418J

SO Remedy 7F x STCC Ms Persistant 7161 ASA# 4035943 • Black • Polled Great Remedy son who was Reserve Champ at NAILE & Cattlemen’s Congress!

W/C Relentless x WLE Shez It D056 ASA# 4129329 • Homo polled • Hetero black JS & Stephens new addition, exciting red gene Relentless son!

$API: 93 $TI: 63

ALL/FCF Hot Topic 099H

Profit x FCF Phyllis 532 ASA# 3926810 • Hetero Black • Homo Polled Hot Topic was the 2021 NAILE Grand Champion % Bull! His dam is one of the hottest Angus donors in the world!

$API: 151 $TI: 91

Potter Artisan L358

OMF Journeyman J24 x Hook`s Eagle 6E ASA# 4262152 • Homo Black• Homo Polled New, exciting spread genetics with ideal build.

$API: 103 $TI: 71

R/C SFI Creedence 417J

SAM x SFI Love Me Later A9X ASA# 3980387 • Homo Black • Homo Polled 2023 Cattlemen’s Congress Grand Champion Purebred Simmental Bull!

$API: 95 $TI: 65

S B C Buffalo Trace

573-641-5270 www.cattlevisions.com

$API: 101 $TI: 75

$API: 107 $TI: 73

$API: 122 $TI: 94

SAS Infra-Red H804

JWC Engage 144M

$API: 132 $TI: 72

$API: 147 $TI: 95

CLWTR Clear Advantage H4G

$API: 102 $TI: 65

$API: 135 $TI: 91

W/C Right Now 2302K

Mr SR 71 Right Now E1538 x W/C Miss Werning 899F ASA# 4122781• Homo Black • Homo Polled Werning’s calving ease replacement for Right Now!

$API: 104 $TI: 70

WLSF Firehouse 911K

Double Up G365 x CCR Wide Range 9005A ASA# 4178795 • Homo Black • Homo Polled New calving ease sire at JS with type!

$API: 103 $TI: 81

RP/CMFM John B J104

$API: 121 $TI: 72

WHF/JS The Duece

WHF/JS/CCS Double Up G365 x WHF Delilah 45D ASA# 4144750 • Homo Black • Homo Polled New calving ease sire at WHF/JS combining Summer & Delilah!

$API: 96 $TI: 70

S&S TSSC Limitless 041H (1/2)

HPF Quantum Leap Z952 x RP/BCR Stylish Love F158 Conley No Limit x WS Revival ASA# 4109070 • Hetero Black • Homo Polled ASA# 3776857 • Black • Polled Current 2023 Champion PTP % Bull! Champ at Calf champion at 2020 NAILE and 2021 Royal!

Ft. Worth, OKC, Am Royal!

EPD as of 11.18.25

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1.26 Doll Simm Ranch fp 4c.qxp_Layout 1 12/2/25 11:23 AM Page 1

Raising Simmental since 1968, Charolais since 1958. We would like to thank our new and returning customers.

65th Annual Production Sale

Tuesday, March 3, 2026 I:30 p.m. CST

N061 N102

ASA# (4603782) BD: 2/8/2025 Adj. 205 WT: 881 lbs. • WWR: 108 Sire: MYY/SAS Honor L90 • Dam: DCR Ms Batman L522 BW WW YW Milk MWW $API $TI .1 94 147 34 80 141 89

ASA# (4603746) BD: 2/3/2025 Adj. 205 WT: 836 lbs. • WWR: 103 Sire: DCR Mr Hard Impact H69 • Dam: DCR Ms Vander L050 BW .5

WW 107

YW Milk 162 26

MWW $API 80 146

$TI 98

Kist Livestock, Mandan, ND

Selling Top Genetics for Both Breeds!

80 Simmentals 100 Charolais 4 Open Females from both breeds

N243 N122

ASA# (4603708) BD: 2/11/2025 Adj. 205 WT: 812 lbs. • WWR: 104 Sire: BC1 Stucture J111 • Dam: DCR Ms B Hawk K140 BW WW YW Milk MWW $API $TI 2.1 96 12 8 25 73 147 92

ASA# (4603696) BD: 2/25/2025 Adj. 205 WT: 854 lbs. • WWR: 109 Sire: TRAXS Longmire L43 • Dam: DCR Ms Red D Impact K257 BW 5.4

WW 106

YW Milk 156 28

MWW $API 81 119

$TI 90

N270 N214

ASA# (4603850) BD: 2/22/2025 Adj. 205 WT: 846 lbs. • WWR: 108 Sire: LBRS Genesis G69 • Dam: DCR Ms High Road J1076 BW WW YW Milk MWW $API $TI 1.3 102 153 26 77 160 103

ASA# (4603840) BD: 3/3/2025 Adj. 205 WT: 804 lbs. • WWR: 103 Sire: LCDR Innovation 163L • Dam: DCR Miss Revival H522 BW WW YW Milk MWW $API $TI 8 2.

97 145 8 2 76 137 94

Bridle Bit G9117 DCR Mr Hang Over H238 BC1 Structure J111 IR/JLN Boomer J425 Mr SR Highlife G1609 CDI/NF Honor Guard 267H KS Calibrate K209 LCDR Diligence 215J DCR Mr Landmark ET L076 KS Vanderbilt G220 SFG Dynasty K204

ASA# (4603818) BD: 2/27/2025 Adj .205 WT: 949 lbs. • WWR: 122 Sire: SVS Rancher 42H • Dam: DCR Ms G110 Galaxy J214 BW 7.6

WW 108

YW Milk 164 30

MWW $API 85 103

$TI 86

N409

N358

Other Sires:

ASA# (4603631) BD: 3/8/2025 Adj. 205 WT: 851 lbs. • WWR: 109 Sire: Redhill Burley 99J • Dam: DCR Ms U302 Red Deputy J160 ET BW WW YW Milk MWW $API $TI 2.9 94 141 27 74 142 90 EPD as of 11.25.2025

3991 36th St. New Salem, ND 58563 Charles & Pamela Doll 701-843-8673 dollboyz@westriv.com Harlan & Jodie Doll 701-843-8771 David & Donna Doll 701-843-7947 dollfarm@westriv.com

1.26 Cattle Visions #1 #2 Lots of Bulls 2pg 4c.qxp_Layout 1 12/5/25 10:35 AM Page 2

HIGH $API

LCDR Anthem 33K

By HHS Entourage EPD: CE: 14 $API: 180 $TI: 110

KBHR Revolution H071

By HHS Mr 847D EPD: CE: 12 $API: 163 $TI: 103

KSU Bald Eagle 53G

By Hook`s Eagle 6E EPD: CE: 16 $API: 192 $TI: 104

KBHR Keynote K229

By CLRS Guardian EPD: CE: 18 $API: 235 $TI: 120

NEW

NEW

By Hook`s Beacon EPD: CE: 15 $API: 190 $TI: 109

By LBRS Gene205 EPD: CE: 15 $API: 200 $TI: 115

CLRS Guardian 317G

OMF Rest Assured J18

By OMF Epic E27 EPD: CE: 15 $API: 163 $TI: 84

HLTS/CLRWTR Ahead of Time K1 CLRWTR Clear Advantage H4G Bar CK Red Empire 9153G

By ES Right Time FA 110-4 EPD: CE: 19 $API: 167 $TI: 92

By LLSF Vantage Point F398 EPD: CE: 13 $API: 147 $TI: 95

By IR Imperial EPD: CE: 17 $API: 165 $TI: 92

Gibbs Culmination 2411K

TERS Kodiak 206K

By Gibbs Essential EPD: CE: 17 $API: 175 $TI: 93

LCDR Patriot 8K

By HHS Mr Entourage 867B EPD: CE: 13. $API: 167. $TI: 101

% BULLS

5/8 SimAngus™

HA Magnifique 72L

By Hook`s Galileo 210G EPD: CE: 23 $API:119 $TI: 76

3/4 SimAngus™

Schooley Krown 28K

By KBHR Revolution H071 EPD: CE: 13 $API: 166 $TI: 104

3/4 SimAngus™

LLSF Vantage Point F398

By CCR Anchor 9071B EPD: CE: 13 $API: 108 $TI: 83

1/2 SimAngus™

W/C Style 69E

By Style 9303 EPD: CE: 14 $API: 132 $TI: 75

3/4 NAILE and NWSS Champ

3/4 SimAngus™

Reckoning 711F

By W/C Relentless 32C EPD: CE: 7 $API: 103 $TI: 67

3/4 SimAngus™

CLRS Jet Black 706J

By Redhill 231A EPD: CE: 15 $API: 143 $TI: 86 EPD as of 11/18/25

3/4 SimAngus™

W/C Fort Knox 609F

By W/C Bankroll 811D

EPD: CE: 11 $API: 139 $TI: 86

3/4 SimAngus™

3/4 SimAngus™

LTS Succession 29J

By W/C Relentless 32C EPD: CE: 13 $API: 93 $TI: 64

1/2 SimAngus™

Harkers Medicine Man 0105L TSN Architect J618

By SO Remedy EPD: CE: 7 $API: 90 $TI: 73

by GAR Home Town EPD: CE: 16 $API: 173 $TI: 99

3/4 SimAngus™

WHF/JS/CSS Woodford J001

By EGL Firesteel EPD: CE: 14 $API: 143 $TI: 84

3/4 SimAngus™

Hook`s Galileo 210G

By Bridle Bit Eclipse EPD: CE: 18 $API: 202 $TI: 116

1.26 Cattle Visions #1 #2 Lots of Bulls 2pg 4c.qxp_Layout 1 12/5/25 10:35 AM Page 3

NEW HOTTIES

NEW GCC Night Owl 3104L

By Rocking P Private Stock H010 EPD: CE: 19 $API: 171 $TI: 90

FRKG Classic 948K

By SO Remedy 7F EPD: CE: 14 $API: 116 $TI: 76

LLSF Dauntless K07

By HPF/HILL Uprising C104

EPD: CE: 11 $API: 103 $TI: 65

Featured high-seller to Ferguson in Werning’s ‘24 sale!

SFI High Velocity K7F

By WLE Copacetic E02 EPD: CE: 14 $API: 115 $TI: 77

Only One 905K

By SFI Platinum F5Y EPD: CE: 9 $API: 93 $TI: 65

W/C Satisfy 161L

By Mr SR 71 Right Now E538 EPD: CE: 14 $API: 136 $TI: 89

Pays To Win L38

By SC Pay The Price C11 EPD: CE: 7 $API: 113 $TI: 77

NEW WINC All Right 213K

By OMF Epic EPD: CE: 12 $API: 137 $TI: 85

Reserve Show Bull of the Year

I Reckon 043J

By Reckoning 711F EPD: CE: 10 $API: 126 $TI: 76

TL On the Run 106K

By Second Chance EPD: CE: 11 $API: 109 $TI: 71

JWC Western Feel 354M

By OMF Journeyman EPD: CE: 10 $API: 119 $TI: 76

Winslow`s Redman 85J

By Bailey`s One Of A Kind EPD: CE: 8 $API: 113 $TI: 75

PROVEN

THSF Lover Boy B33

Holtkamp Clac Change Is Coming 7H

Rocking P Private Stock H010 SSC Shell Shocked 44B

EPD: CE: 13 $API: 140 $TI: 91

By WLE Copacetic E02 EPD: CE: 9 $API: 99 $TI: 76

WLE Black Mamba G203

WHF/JS/CCS Double Up G365 LLSF Pays To Believe ZU194

By HTP/SVF Duracell T52

By WLE Copacetic E02 EPD: CE: 16 $API: 137 $TI: 83

By W/C Double Down EPD: CE: 11 $API: 97 $TI: 71

By WLE Copacetic E02 EPD: CE: 15 $API: 145 $TI: 87

By CNS Pays To Dream T759 EPD: CE: 10 $API: 129 $TI: 80

By Remington Secret Weapon 185 EPD: CE: 17 $API: 122 $TI: 74

Wheatland 3-D 1142J

By CKCC LD Dimension 8965 EPD: CE: 7 $API: 114 $TI: 76

Call for your free book

573-641-5270 Entire lineup online at:

W/C Night Watch 84E

By CCR Anchor 9071B EPD: CE: 18 $API: 147 $TI: 83 EPD as of 11/18/25

Mr SR 71 Right Now E1538

By Hook`s Bozeman 8B EPD: CE: 15 $API: 135 $TI: 94

LLW CARD Compass 086K

By LLW CARD True North G71 EPD: CE: 13 $API: 129 $TI: 83

www.cattlevisions.com Semen available on the best Angus and Clubbie sires too.

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1.26 ASA CMP If Beef is your business fp 4c.qxp_Layout 1 12/8/25 9:14 AM Page 1

Lucas Liberty 1719L ASA# 4343991 CMP Class of 2025

The American Simmental Association Carcass Merit Program (CMP) is the beef industry’s most demanding and informative young sire test. The program is a hallmark of ASA breed improvement for economically relevant carcass traits. Commercial producers play an integral part in this project.

Participants receive: u $200 for each AI-sired calf with carcass information u Free semen on top young herdsires u Free ASA Genetic Evaluation on your cow herd u Free genotyping on terminal progeny u Keep any or all replacement females Become a Carcass Merit Program test herd today To learn more about the CMP visit www.simmental.org, then click Carcass Merit Program under the ASA Programs tab.

Questions, contact cmp@simmgene.com for more information regarding this program.

*The CMP is a structured young sire progeny test. Participating cooperator herds will random sample their cow herd with CMP semen, and the resulting male (or female) progeny will be harvested with individual carcass data gathered. ASA Staff will work with cooperator herds to provide bulls that fit the general criteria of your management program; however, only bulls nominated into the CMP program may be used. Producers are encouraged to be somewhat proficient in Microsoft Excel for accurate and consistent record-keeping.

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WISHBONE SIMMENTAL – ANNUAL BULL SALE February 27, 2026 • 1:00 PM MST At the Ranch – 10 Lane 1, Frannie, Wyoming

Join us for a powerful offering built on real world performance and maternal strength.

SELLING: 50+ Simmental, Angus & SimAngus™ Bulls Sound, stout, and ready to work.

55 Commercial Replacement Heifers Uniform, functional, ranch raised.

“The Sexy Six” Registered Bred Heifers An elite set you won’t want to miss.

VIEW & BID ONLINE: bid.live-ag.com / Live Ag Bid from anywhere with real-time streaming.

M4 W/B Redeye His first progeny sell

W/B Night Guard 018M 6 half-sibs sell

VCL 266K – Her first flush bulls sell Average $API 165, $TI 104

W/B Electra 401M 10 half-brothers sell

FOLLOW US: Facebook: @WishboneSimmental Jared Boardman 307-272-4009 Wendy Boardman 406-690-3369

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We would like to work with you on your sire-identified, terminal calves.

u Free semen on the nation’s top herdsire prospects u Free genetic evaluation (EPDs and Selection Indexes) on your cowherd u $65 paid per CMP sired carcass record u DNA tests performed on terminal calves *This is a structured young sire test so please inquire about qualifications and expectations.

For more information regarding both programs, please visit our website: simmental.org and by selecting on the programs tab, or scan the QR code to be directed:

u Free 100K GGP DNA test on all sire-identified terminal calves with carcass data u DNA Parentage included u Tissue Sampling Units provided at no cost *This is an ongoing research project, participants are limited so please inquire about availability.

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1.26 State Marketplace.qxp_Layout 1 12/5/25 8:30 AM Page 2

State Marketplace American Simbrah Breeders

Indiana

Idaho Pine Ridge Ranch Pine Ridge Ranch Pine Ridge Ranch LLC

ATHENS, TX

Jane and Bill Travis billtravis@simbrah.com

www.simbrah.com

9876 PLANO RD. DALLAS, TX 75238 Cell: 214-850-6308

Colorado

Illinois

Iowa Flint Drake 27910 Centerville Road La Motte, IA 52054 563-580-1053 (cell) flint@ironcreekcattle.com www.ironcreekcattle.com

Altenburg Super Baldy Ranch Triangle J Ranch Annual Bull Sale • 150 bulls 3rd Saturday of March Fort Collins, Colorado Willie Altenburg 970-481-2570 Darby Line 308-627-5085

Commercially Targeted Seedstock

Jim Berry Family 6502 Rt. 84 South Cattle Manager: Hanover, IL 61041 Ben Lehman 815-297-5562 563-920-0315 Wildberry Farm Simmentals on Facebook

Phoenix Cattle Company

Fleckvieh and Fleck x Black and Red Angus

Roger Schager PO Box 596 Louisville, CO 80027 303-550-5592 cows_1@q.com

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Jeff & Lynda Springer Michelle, Todd, Eli & Noah Christensen Steve, Bri, Paisley & Porter Springer 3119 310th St • Cresco, IA 52136

641-330-6654 sprinsim@iowatelecom.net WWW.SPRINGERSIMMENTAL.COM

Kansas Cow Camp Ranch Kent, Mark and Nolan Brunner 3553 Upland Rd. • Lost Springs, KS 785-466-6475 Kent 785-466-1129 Nolan 785-258-0173 Mark nolan@cowcampbeef.com

Spring Bull Sale – Saturday, January 24, 2026 Spring Turn-Out Sale – Saturday, April 25, 2026

1.26 State Marketplace.qxp_Layout 1 12/5/25 8:30 AM Page 3

Dixson Farms, Inc.

Little Bitterroot Ranch

13703 Beaver Creek Rd • Atwood, KS 67730 785-626-3744 • drlyle@live.com www.dixsonfarms.com

748 Little Bitterroot Rd • Hot Springs, MT 59845 406-741-2523 • lbrsimmental@gmail.com Simmental, SimAngusTM – Since 1972 • Longevity with Legacy View data and videos at littlebitterrootranch.com Private Treaty Sale Starting January 5, 2026

Carol Dixson, Kevin Dixson, & Lyle Dixson, D.V.M.

Frank & Marilynn Carr

DX

Mississippi

Watch for our Annual Bull Sale February 9, 2026

5831 Highway 7, Wibaux, MT 406-588-3371 nlcsim@midrivers.com www.nelsonlivestockco.com Joe & Kim Mertz 785-458-9494 Abram & Dani Mertz 785-456-3986 7160 Zeandale Road Manhattan, KS 66502

Missouri www.gerloffcattle.com

www.rivercreekfarms.com

Nebraska

35th Annual “Built to Work” SimAngus Bull Sale, February 11, 2026

Minnesota

FORSTER FARMS 3162 Hwy A • Bland, MO 65014 573.437.3751 • 573.437.2507 573.680.9117 cell • khuebler@fidnet.com

L

Forrest & Charlotte Lucas, Owners 26511 County Rd. 50 Cross Timbers, MO 65634 Office 417-998-6512 www.lucascattlecompany.com Visitors Always Welcome

Cleo Fields 417-399-7124 Jeff Reed 417-399-1241

Dr. Lynn Aggen Office: 507-886-6321 Mobile: 507-421-3813 Home: 507-886-4016

Performance with Quality

Matt Aggen Mobile: 701-866-3544 Home: 507-772-4522 Email: mattaggen@hotmail.com

Harmony, MN 55939 www.oakmfarm.com

Montana Hill’s Ranch Simmentals

Box 186 Stanford, MT 59479 406-566-2479

Bull Sale • Thursday, March 5, 2026

“Red and Black, Polled, Pigmented Simmentals”

J&C SIMMENTALS

JC

TM

Just 20 minutes off I-80

JC

LUCAS CATTLE CO. Registered Simmentals, SimAngus & Angus Cattle

Verlouis Forster Family 74096 Road 434 Smithfield, NE 68976-1039 Ph 308-472-5036 Verlouis 308-991-2208 Alan Cell Email: alan_forster@hotmail.com

Black Simmental Bulls & Females Purebred to Percentage

Jay & Kim Volk Clark & Leslie Volk

Jay 402-720-7596 • Clark 402-720-3323 20604 US Hwy 30 • Arlington, NE 68002 volkjk@aol.com • www.jandcsimmentals.com

J&C Annual Bull Sale – January 24, 2026 Nebraska continued on page 136

hillssimmentalmt@yahoo.com • www.hillsimmental.com

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State Marketplace Nebraska cont.

North Dakota

SRF Simmentals

Phone: 701-384-6225 Cell: 701-741-3045

Roger Roger and and Susan Susan Finke Finke family family 35500 35500 114th 114th Ave. Ave. NW NW • • Berthold, Berthold, ND ND 58718 58718 701-453-3157 701-453-3157 Roger Roger • • 701-453-3105 701-453-3105 Todd Todd email: email: srf@srt.com srf@srt.com

5065 125th Ave. NE • Dahlen, ND 58224 tellings@polarcomm.com • www.ellingsonsimmentals.com Annual Production Sale, January 23, 2026

SYS SIMMENTALS

Terry Ellingson & Family 402-641-2936 Cell Nick and Andrea 303 Northern Heights Drive • Seward, NE 68434 sloupsimmentals@gmail.com • sloupsimmentals.com

Join us at the Farm, October 17, 2026 for our 30th Annual Production Sale.

Triangle J Ranch Darby & Annette Line 35355 Arrow Road • Miller, NE 68858 308-627-5085 Darby Cell www.trianglejranch.com

Bull Sale last Sunday in January and Female Sale first Sunday in November.

Kaelberer Family Simmentals

4241 County Road 85 • New Salem, ND 58563 701-400-7323 Conner • 701-220-3124 Claye Production Sale 2nd Tuesday in February

)

( 136

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TNT Simmental Ranch

41st Annual “Carrying On” The Genetic Explosion Bull Sale!

Friday, February 13, 2026 • At The Ranch, Lehr, ND DVAuction.com

Shanon & Gabe Erbele Kevin & Lynette Thompson Almont, ND Lehr, ND H 701-843-8454 • K 701-391-1631 S 701-527-5885 • G 701-426-9445 kevinandlynette@westriv.com gserbele@hotmail.com facebook.com/tntsimmentalranch

Jock & Brenda Beeson 100 Wohlers Drive Crawford, NE 69339 308-665-1111 (home) 308-430-2117 (mobile) 308-430-0668 (mobile) Email:wcsbeeson@bbc.net

North Carolina

Gary Sys 9400 205th Ave. SW Douglas, ND 58735 701-722-3244

www.tntsimmentals.com

Western Cattle Source

JF

Genetic Edge Production Sale February 5, 2026 • Mandan, ND

K

R

ENNE

Roger, Jeanette, & Erika Kenner

5606 57th St. NE Leeds, ND 58346 Phone 701-466-2800 Erika 406-581-1188 erika.kenner@gmail.com www.kennersimmental.com Fax 701-466-2769

SIMMENTALS

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Oklahoma

Wyoming

Willis Simmentals 5759 Enville Road Marietta OK 73448 willissimmentals@arbuckleonline.com

Neil Duxbury 605-354-3458 • Clay Duxbury 605-461-1494 jackpotcattle@yahoo.com 21060 375th Avenue • Wessington, SD Bull Sale – February 11, 2026 – Miller, SD

Quality Simmental Breeding Cattle 10 miles east on Hwy. 32, 1/4 mile north on Enville Road.

Jon 580-795-4601

Bobby 580-276-2781 (ph. & fax)

South Dakota TRAXINGER SIMMENTAL

Benda Simmentals Jim and Jay Benda 26106 366th Ave. Kimball, SD 57355 605-778-6703 www.bendaranch.com

Black & Red Breeding Stock Jim: 605-730-6703 (Cell) Jay: 605-730-0215 (Cell) bendaranch@midstatesd.net

Reds, Blacks • Bulls and Females Private Treaty Sales

Mike and Terri Traxinger 11176 – 406th Avenue Houghton, SD 57449 Home: 605.885.6347 Mike’s cell: 605.294.7227 mtrax@nvc.net www.traxinger.com

Christensen H Dunsmore 3C Christensen Ranch John Christensen, Cam & Tyler Fagerhaug 37273 216th Street • Wessington, SD 57381 605-458-2218 home • 605-458-2231 fax 605-350-1278 cell 458-350-2018 Cam

3 C

Livestock Services Auctioneers and Marketing

Annual Production Sale March 20, 2026 • Wessington, SD

NLC Simmental Ranch Rick & Nalani L. Christensen Dunsmore & NaLea, Chase & Swayzee 21830 372nd Ave • Wessington, SD 57381 605-458-2425 • 605-354-7523 cell 605-350-5216 cell

NLC

Tennessee Genetics

Steve & Cathy Eichacker 605-425-2391 or 605-421-1152 email: es@triotel.net 25446 445th Ave Salem, SD 57058 Annual Bull Sale • March 6, 2026

Clay Ekstrum 605-778-6185 (H) 605-730-1511 (C) John Ekstrum 605-778-6414

South Dakota’s Source for Outcross Performance Simmentals!

– Specializing in Hard to Find Red Breeding Stock –

Semen Available on Today’s Hottest AI Sires 573-641-5270 www.cattlevisions.com

36220 257th St., Kimball, SD 57355 clayekstrum@midstatesd.net • ekstrumsimmentals.com

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS JANUARY 5 9 11 15 18 20 20 23 23 24 24 24 25 25 26 29 30 31

Little Bitterroot Ranch’s Private Treaty Sale (Beginning) — Hot Springs, MT (pg. 135) Diamond Bar S Bull Sale — Great Falls, MT Bricktown National Simmental Sale — Oklahoma City, OK Walking 5 Ranch’s Annual Bull Sale — Lavina, MT (pg. 147) The One and Only Simmental Sale — Denver, CO Franzen Simmental’s Production Sale — Leigh, NE (pg. 113) Powerline Genetics' Arapahoe Sale — Arapahoe, NE Double J Farms’ 52nd Annual Bull and Female Sale — Garretson, SD (pgs. 137, 143) Ellingson Simmentals’ Annual Production Sale — Dahlen, ND (pg. 136) Cow Camp Ranch’s Annual Spring Bull Sale — Lost Springs, KS (pgs. 7, 134) Forster Farms’ 47th Annual Production Sale — Smithfield, NE J&C Simmentals’ Annual Bull Sale — Arlington, NE (pgs. 72, 135) Reck Brothers-N-Sons’ Genetic Advantage Production Sale — Blakesburg, IA (pg. 41) Triangle J Ranch’s Bull Sale — Miller, NE (pgs. 62, 136) APEX Cattle’s Annual “Heterosis Headquarters” Bull and Female Sale — Dannebrog, NE (pgs. 30, 31) Trifecta Cattle Company’s Annual Bull Sale — Watertown, SD (pg. 126) Drake Simmental’s Bull and Female Sale — Centerville, IA (pg. 107) The Vision Elite Bred Female Sale — Des Moines, IA

FEBRUARY 1 1 2 2 2 3 4 4 5 5 5 6 6 6 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 8 9 9 9 10 10 11 11 11 12 12 13 13 13 13 14 14 14 14

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Hartman Cattle Company’s 12th Annual Simmental Bull Sale — Tecumseh, NE Kline Simmental Ranch’s 14th Annual Bull Sale — Hurdsfield, ND (pgs. 58, 59) 46th Annual Gateway “Breeding Value” Bull Sale — Lewistown, MT (IBC, pgs. 136, 147) Bell Simmentals’ Annual Production Sale — Fordville, ND (pg. 105) Long Simmentals’ 6th Annual Production Sale — Creston, IA (pg. 87) Koepplin’s Black Simmental 38th Annual Bull Sale — Mandan ND (pg. 44) Begger’s Diamond V Big Sky Genetic Source Bull Sale — Wibaux, MT (pgs. 25, 147) Crosshair Simmental’s Online Only Sale — www.dvauction.com (pg. 125) K-LER Cattle Company’s Annual Sale — St. Charles, MN (pg. 99) Genetic Edge Production Sale — Mandan, ND (pgs. 136, 147) Stavick Simmental’s King of the Range Bull Sale — Veblen, SD (pgs. 85, 137) Kunkel Simmentals’ Annual Production Sale — New Salem, ND (pg. 97) Schooley Cattle’s Annual Production Sale — Bloomfield, IA (pgs. 88, 89) Silver Dollar Simmentals’ 2nd Annual Bull Sale — Rugby, ND (pg. 136) Blue River Gang’s 44th Annual Production Sale — Rising City, NE (pg. 43) Ekstrum Simmentals’ Annual Bull Sale — Kimball, SD (pg. 48) Gibbs Farms’ 3rd Annual Spring Sale — Ranburne, AL (pg. 151) Klain Simmental Ranch’s Annual Production Sale — Ruso, ND (pgs. 92, 136) Loonan Stock Farms’ 51st Annual Production Sale, Corning, IA (pg. 109) Ruby Cattle Company’s Annual Bull Sale — Murray, IA Springer Simmental’s Sale of Value Based Genetics — Decorah, IA (pg. 133) Stockmen’s Source Bull Sale — Wellfleet, NE (pg. 21) Oak Meadow Farms’ 8th Annual Production Sale — Cresco, IA (pg. 115) Benda Ranch Simmentals’ Annual Production — Kimball, SD (pg. 46) Nelson Livestock Company’s Production Sale — Wibaux, MT (pgs. 76, 135, 147) Prickly Pear Simmental Ranch’s Bull Sale — Helena, MT (pg. 45) Kaelberer Ranch Production Sale — Mandan, ND (pg. 136) Werning Cattle Company’s 45th Annual Production Sale — Emery, SD (pg. 71) Jackpot Cattle Co.’s Annual Private Treaty Bull and Heifer Sale — Miller, SD (pg. 137) River Creek Farms 36th Annual Production Sale — Manhattan, KS (pgs. 13, 135) Traxinger Simmental’s Annual Bull Sale — Houghton, SD Bar CK “Profit Sharing” Bull Sale — Culver, OR (pg. 139) Lassle Ranch Simmentals’ 33rd Annual Production Sale — Glendive, MT (pgs. 145, 147) 11th Annual Modoc Bull Sale — Alturas, CA Bred for Balance Sale — Starbuck, MN (pgs. 26, 27, 135) Jared Werning Cattle’s 4th Annual Production Sale — Parkston, SD (pg. 110) TNT Simmentals’ 41st Annual “Explosive Difference” Sale — Lehr, ND (pgs. 57, 136) CK Cattle and Wager Cattle’s 9th Annual Production Sale — Highmore, SD (pg. 117) Great Basin Bull Sale — Fallon, NV (pg. 102) Kenner Simmentals’ 30th Annual Production Sale — Leeds, ND (pgs. 74, 75) Rhodes Angus Open House Bull Sale — Carlinville, IL (pg. 32) continued on page 140

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CHECK US OUT ONLINE

CALENDAR OF EVENTS FEBRUARY ( Continued) 14 14 14 15 16 16 17 18 19 19 20 20 20 20 21 23 23 24 24 24 25 26 26 27 28 28 28–3/7

www.simmental.org

Have you visited simmental.org lately?

The entire website has a new look highlighting cattle sales, industry events, ASA’s programs, marketing opportunities, and breeders’ resources.

simmental.org makes it easy for you.

Breeders’ resources include information on: © SimGenetics © Simple trait selection © Genetic improvement tools © Frequently asked questions

140

SIMTALK

CONTINUED

RL Fleckvieh Limerock Ranch’s Annual Bull and Bred Female Sale — Brandon, IA (pg. 16) Rousey SimAngus™ Bull Sale — North Platte, NE (pg. 111) Rydeen Farms’ Annual “Vision” Sale — Clearbook, MN (pgs. 17, 135) Trauernicht Simmentals’ Bull Sale — Wymore, NE (pg. 47) Bulls of the Big Sky — Billings, MT (pgs. 73, 135, 147) TC Reds and Weis Cattle’s Bull Sale — Saint Ansgar, IA Quandt Brothers’ 14th Annual Production Sale — Oakes, ND (pgs. 38, 39) Hart Simmentals’ 51st Annual Production Sale — Frederick, SD (pg. 49) Illinois Performance Tested (IPT) Bull Sale — Springfield, IL Wilkinson Farms’ Breeding for the Future Sale — C-B Sale Facility (pg. 146) Dakota Xpress Annual Bull and Female Sale — Mandan, ND (pgs. 84, 136) Illinois Beef Expo Multi-Breed Sale — Springfield, IL R&R Cattle Company’s Annual Production Sale — Chamberlain, SD Sandy Acres Simmentals’ Bull Sale — Creighton, NE (pg. 136) The Right Choice Production Sale — Aberdeen, SD (pg. 68) Peterson Cattle Company Bull Sale — Twin Bridges, MT (pg. 147) Raatz Farms’ Production Sale — Jasper, MN (pg. 51) Barker Cattle Co.’s Sale — Burley, ID Deckert Simmental Ranch’s Annual Production Sale — Steele, ND (pg. 60) TSN Simmentals’ Sale — Platte, SD C Diamond Simmentals’ Annual Production Sale — Dawson, ND (IFC) Felt Farms’ Bull Sale — West Point, NE Meyring Cattle Company’s 2nd Annual Production Sale — Alliance, NE (pg. 103) Wishbone Simmental’s Annual Bull Sale — Frannie, WY (pg. 118) Emmons’ Ranch Bull Sale — Olive, MT (pg. 147) Lyman Livestock’s Sale — Salina, UT (pg. 61) Hofmann Simmental Farms’ “Buy Your Way” Bull Sale — Clay Center, KS (pg. 129)

MARCH 1 1 2 2 3 4 5 5 5 5 6 6 7 7 7 7 7 7 12 13 13 14 14 15 19 19 20 20 20 20 21 21 21 21 21 21

Gold Bullion Group’s 24th Annual Bull Sale — Westmoreland, KS (pg. 106) Windy Creek Cattle Company’s Bull Sale — Spencer, SD (pg. 121) Hanel’s Black Simmentals’ 8th Annual Production Sale — Courtland, KS S/M Fleckvieh Cattle’s Private Treaty Bull Sale — Garretson, SD (pg. 33) Doll Ranch’s 46th Annual Bull and Female Sale — New Salem, ND (pg. 93) Klein Ranch’s Heart of the Herd Sale — Atwood, KS (pg. 131) 22nd Annual Cattleman’s Kind Bull Sale — San Saba, TX Hill’s Ranch Production Sale — Stanford, MT (pgs. 81, 135) Kearns Cattle Company’s 37th Annual Bull Sale — Rushville, NE (pg. 119) Keller Broken Heart Ranch’s Annual Production Sale — Mandan, ND (pgs. 123, 136) Eichacker Simmentals’ Annual Production Sale — Salem, SD (pgs. 53, 137) P/T Livestock High Country Performance Bull Sale — Big Piney, WY (pg. 147) Cason’s Price and Joy Spring Bull Sale — Albia, IA (pg. 55) Gibbs Farms’ 3rd Annual Spring Sale — Ranburne, AL (pg. 151) MO Select Genetics Production Sale — Keytesville, MO Moriondo Farms and MM Cattle Company’s Spring Production Sale — Mount Vernon, MO Powerline Genetics’ PAP-Tested Bull Sale — Castle Dale, UT Trinity Farms’ Generations of Excellence Sale — Ellensburg, WA (pg. 86) B&B Simmental’s Bull and Heifer Auction Sale — Gregory, SD Powerline Genetics’ March Edition Bull Sale — Arapahoe, NE Rincker Simmentals’ Illini Elite Spring Sale — Shelbyville, IL (pg. 122) Carcass Performance Partners’ Bull Sale — Lucedale, MS Great Lakes Beef Connection Bull Sale — Clare, MI (pg. 98) Gonsior Simmentals’ 26th Annual “In the Heartland” Sale — Fullerton, NE Brink Genetics’ Spring Bull and Heifer Sale — Elkader, IA (pg. 101) Western Cattle Source’s Annual Bull Sale — Crawford, NE (pg. 132) 3C Christensen Ranch and NLC Simmental Ranch 54th Annual Production Sale — Wessington, SD (pgs. 80, 137) Black Summit Annual Bull Sale — Powell, WY (pgs. 141, 147) Colorado Select Bull Sale — Fort Collins, CO (pgs. 63, 134) Sunflower Genetics’ Annual Production Sale — Maple Hill, KS (pg. 56) The Bull Sale at Buck Creek Ranch — Yale, OK Lechleiter Simmentals’ Annual Bull Sale — Loma, CO (pg. 134) Ohio Beef Expo Eastern Spring Classic Sale — Columbus, OH Red Hill Farms’ More Than a Bull Sale XXI — Lafayette, TN (pgs. 137, 148) Rocking H Simmental’s Production Sale — Canby, MN TeKrony Brothers Simmental’s 14th Annual Bull Sale — Clear Lake, SD continued on page 142

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS MARCH (Continued) 23 Bridle Bit Simmentals’ All Terrain Bull Sale — Walsh, CO (pg. 91, 134) 25 Diamond H Ranch’s Annual Production Sale — Victoria, KS 25 Heartland Performance With Class Production Sale — Waverly, IA 27 Great Northern Bull and Female Sale — Clear Lake, MN 28 Clear Choice Bull Sale — Milan, IN (pg. 134) 28 Heishman Cattle Company’s Blue Ridge Classic Sale — Mt Jackson, VA 28 T-Heart Ranch’s High-Altitude Bull Sale — La Garita, CO (pgs. 114, 134) 28 Wildberry Farms’ Annual Production Sale — Hanover, IL (pg. 149)

APRIL 1 4 4 4 4 4 8 11 15

142

Roller Ranch’s 3rd Annual Bull Sale — Hewitt, MN Clarks Fork Angus and Simmental Ranch’s Sale — Cody, WY (pg. 147) Laird Simmentals’ Production Sale — Dubois, ID (pgs. 52, 147) McDonald Farms’ 23rd Annual “Pick of the Pen” Bull Sale — Blacksburg, VA (pg. 2) Belles and Bulls of the Bluegrass — Lexington, KY (pg. 29) The Gathering at Shoal Creek — Excelsior Springs, MO WD Cattle Company’s Bull Sale — Washington, KS Lucas Cattle Company’s Bull Sale — Cross Timbers, MO Trennepohl Farms’ Top Ten Sale — Middletown, IN

SIMTALK

CONTINUED

17 17 18 25 25 4/25

Foster Brothers Farms’ “Hybrid Advantage” Bull Sale — Wildorado, TX Trennepohl Farms’ Turn-Out Time Sale — Middletown, IN New Day Beef Genetics’ Bull Sale — Salem, MO Clear Choice Customer Sale — Milan, IN (pg. 134) Cow Camp Ranch’s Spring Turn-Out Sale — Lost Springs, KS (pg. 134) Heartland Simmentals’ Annual Bull Sale — Bloomfield, IA

MAY 2 16

Stars and Stripes Sale — Hummelstown, PA Mississippi/Alabama Simmental State Sale — Cullman, AL 18 Red Hill Farms’ Maternal Monday Online Sale — www.redhillfarms.net (pg. 137)

JUNE 10–13

AJSA Eastern Regional Classic — Lebanon, IN

JULY 4–10

AJSA National Classic — Grand Island, NE

SEPTEMBER 5

North Carolina Fall Harvest Sale — Union Grove, NC

ST

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RATES & POLICIES S

imTalk is an 8 1/8 x 10 7/8-inch publication produced by the Register, the official publication of the American Simmental Association. Published four times annually, SimTalk is a glossy, fullcolor publication with a circulation that targets commercial users of SimGenetics. Advertising in SimTalk provides a unique opportunity to brand and trademark your program to thousands of potential customers. If you are serious about communicating with the commercial beef business, consider an advertising presence in every one of our four annual issues.

Ad Sales Staff For All Your Advertising Needs

Nancy Chesterfield

406-587-2778 nchesterfield@simmgene.com

Space and four-color rates for SimTalk: Space Rates

1 page 2/3 page 1/2 page 1/3 page 1/4 page 1/8 page 3-inch mini 2-inch mini 2-inch card 1-inch card

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Subscriptions • Domestic $50/year • First Class $100/year • All International $150/year (USD)

ASA PUBLICATION, INC. One Genetics Way Bozeman, Montana 59718 406-587-2778 register@simmgene.com

144

SIMTALK

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Advertising rates are for camera-ready ads only. Additional design charges will apply to any ad designed by ASA Publication, Inc.

SimTalk deadlines for publication: March (Spring) 2026 Sire Source 2026 Early Fall 2026 Late Fall 2026 January (Winter) 2027

Rebecca Price

ST

Sales Close

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Approx Mail Date

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Jan 30 March 13 July 31 Sept 30 Dec 2

March 9 April 20 Sept 8 Nov 6 Jan 8

Send all ad materials to: register@simmgene.com A non-refundable $50.00 fee will be assessed if a client does not meet deadlines or if the client commits to advertising and cancels after the deadline or if the ad must be dropped to ensure on-time publication.

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Layouts & Proofs Every effort will be made to provide proofs on all ads, if all ad materials arrive in the SimTalk office prior to the deadline and a correct email address or fax number is provided.

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However, SimTalk reserves the right to reject any advertising copy or photo which SimTalk deems unsuitable for publication for any reason, including copy or photographs that are false or misleading. SimTalk assumes no responsibility for the accuracy and truthfulness of submitted print-ready ads. Advertisers shall indemnify and hold harmless SimTalk for any claims concerning advertising content as submitted. Advertising containing pedigrees or statements regarding performance must conform to records kept by the American Simmental Association. Copy deviating from official records may be changed as necessary without advertiser consent.

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1ST-Lassle Ranch Simmentals fp 4c.qxp_Layout 1 12/3/25 10:15 AM Page 1

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AD INDEX Alabama

Gibbs Farms. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IFC, 3, 151

California

Bruin Ranch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Circle Ranch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Colorado

Altenburg Super Baldy Ranch, LLC . . . . 63, 134 Far Out Cattle Ranch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91 L-Cross Ranch. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114 Lechleiter Simmentals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134 Phoenix Cattle Company. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134 National Western Stock Show . . . . . . . . . . . . 87 T-Heart Ranch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114, 134 Whitby Canyon Cattle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91 Bridle Bit Simmentals. . . . . . . . . 17, 56, 91, 134

Idaho

Laird Simmentals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52, 147 Lanting Enterprises . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134 Rymo Cattle Co. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147 Table Rock Ranch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147

Illinois

All Beef. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3, 50, 65 Allied Genetic Resources . . . 2, 5, 7, 27, 47, 50, 52, 61, 62, 73, 76, 91, 97, 98, 107, 113, 114, 126, 131, 132, 137, 141, 146, 148, 149, IBC Black Diamond Genetics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122 Hillstown Farms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122 Huenefield Simmental Farms. . . . . . . . . . . . 122 Illini Elite . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122 JR Simmentals. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69, 122

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SIMTALK

Lewis, Jeff and Justin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122 Rhodes Angus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32, 134 Rincker Law PLLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Rincker Simmentals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122, 134 Russell Land and Cattle. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122 Travis Farms. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122, 141 Wildberry Farms. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134, 149

Indiana

Bowling Cattle Co.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119 Clear Water Simmentals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134 KiK Farms LLC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134

Iowa

Brink Genetics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101 Cason’s Pride & Joy Simmentals . . . . . . . . . . 55 Diamond K Simmentals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115 Drake Simmental . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107 Harlan Cattle Co. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107 Iron Creek Cattle Co. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107, 134 Long Simmentals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87 Loonan Stock Farm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109 Reck Brothers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 RL Fleckvieh Limerock Ranch . . . . . . . . 16, 134 Schooley Cattle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88, 89 Springer Simmental . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133, 134 Stanley Martins Farms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Unlimited Genetics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 Value Based Genetics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133

Gold Bullion Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106 Goss Performance Simmentals . . . . . . . . . . . 39 High-Bred Simmentals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 Hofmann Simmental Farms . . . . . . . . . 129, 135 Innovation AgMarketing, LLC . . . . . . 71, 87, 99, 103, 110, 115, 117, 119, 127 Klein Ranch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131 M4 Simmentals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106 McCracken Livestock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106 Mid-Am Genetics. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29, 106 Parsons Livestock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106 Rains Simmental . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135 River Creek Farms . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13, 123, 135 Schaake Farms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106 Sunflower Genetics LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56

Kentucky

A&A Farms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Belles and Bull of the Bluegrass . . . . . . . . . . 29 Kentucky Proud . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Swain Select Simmental . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Wayward Hill Farm. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Michigan

Great Lakes Beef Connection . . . . . . . . . . . . 98 Green Valley Farm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98 JC Simmentals. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3, 98 Salinas Farms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98 SD Simmentals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98

Kansas

Cow Camp Ranch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3, 7, 134 Dixson Farms, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135

Continued on page 148

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Date

Ranch/Sale

Sale Location

Phone

01/15/26

Walking 5 Ranch Annual Bull Sale

Broadview, MT

406-371-2207

02/02/26

Gateway Simmental Breeding Value Bull Sale

Lewistown, MT

406-538-9695

02/04/26

Begger’s Diamond V Ranch Genetic Source Bull Sale

Wibaux, MT

406-796-2326

02/05/26

Genetic Edge Production Sale

Mandan, ND

701-240-7711

02/09/26

Nelson Livestock Company Annual Production Sale

Wibaux, MT

406-588-3371

02/12/26

Lassle Ranch Simmentals Annual Bull Sale

Glendive, MT

406-694-3722

02/16/26

Bulls of the Big Sky Bull Sale

Billings, MT

208-267-2668

02/23/26

Peterson Cattle Company Bull Sale

Twin Bridges, MT

406-596-7285

02/28/26

Emmons Ranch Bull Sale

Olive, MT

406-436-2277

3/9/2026

P/T Livestock High Country Performance Bull Sale

Riverton, WY

307-709-8351

03/20/26

Black Summit Cattle Annual Bull Sale

Powell, WY

307-899-3553

04/04/26

Clarks Fork Angus and Simmental Ranch

Cody, WY

406-860-1805

04/04/26

Laird Simmentals

Dubois, ID

208-608-3210

12/05/26

Western Choice Simmental Sale

Billings, MT

406-321-1542

Private Treaty

3 JM Simmental

Payette, ID

208-731-6646

Private Treaty

Forseth Livestock LLC

Fairfield, MT

406-590-7984

Private Treaty

Koch Cattle

Roberts, MT

406-860-0659

Private Treaty

Rocking L 4 Ranch

Bonners Ferry, ID

208-691-6656

Private Treaty

Rolling Hills Ranch

Polson, MT

406-239-7483

Private Treaty

Stroh Cattle Company

Glendive, MT

406-941-0670

Private Treaty

Table Rock Ranch

Ririe, ID

605-595-3726

Private Treaty

3H Simmental

Plains, MT

406-826-3765

Private Treaty

Bromenshenk Farms

Billings, MT

406-656-7173

Private Treaty

Sleepy Valley Simmentals

Firth, ID

208-390-3468

Plan to attend Montana’s Choice Sale, the following events, or contact Montana Simmental Association members to see what they have to offer you!

Board of Directors

President: Rocky Forseth Fairfield, MT 406-590-7984 rockyforseth89@gmail.com

Vice President:

Kate Koch Roberts, MT 406-580-7458 kkoch726@gmail.com

Secretary/Treasurer: Leoma Donsbach Roy, MT 559-696-4941 cattledatagenie@gmail.com

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AD INDEX Minnesota

Bred for Balance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26, 27

Clear Springs Cattle Company . . . . . . . 27, 135

Eberspacher Enterprises Inc. . . . 41, 43, 45, 47, 49, 51, 53, 55 Five Star Ranch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115 Freking Cattle Co. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119

Heritage Cattle Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69 Highland Acres . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

K-LER Cattle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99 Oak Meadow Farms. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115, 135 Raatz Farms. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

CONTINUED

Roller Ranch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119, 127 Rydeen Farms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3, 17, 135

Mississippi

Little Creek Cattle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135 Rockhill Ranch. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135 Triple S Land & Cattle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Missouri

Cattle Visions . . . . . . 54, 69, 78, 79, 94, 95, 137 Gerloff Farms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135 Lee Simmental Farms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 Lucas Cattle Company . . . . . . . . . . . . 135, 138 Prairie View Farms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69

Steaks Alive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . BC U.S. Premium Beef . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Montana

3H Simmental . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147 AOK Simmental . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147 Begger’s Diamond V Ranch . . . . . . IFC, 25, 147 Bromenshenk Farms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147 Bulls of the Big Sky . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73, 135 Donsbach Lazy 3L Ranch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147 Emmons Ranch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147 Fauth Ranch Simmentals. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147 Forseth Livestock LLC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147 Gateway Simmental & Lucky Cross . . . . . . . . 3, 147, IBC Genie Genetics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147 Hill’s Ranch Simmentals . . . . . . . . . . . . 81, 135 Koch Cattle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147 Koch, Kate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147 Lassle Ranch Simmentals . . . . . . . . . . 145, 147 Little Bitterroot Ranch . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135, 147 Little Bitterroot River Simmental . . . . . 135, 147 Miller Simmentals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135, 147 MLK Angus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 Montana Simmental Association . . . . . 142, 147 Morrison, Cole and Ashley. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147 Nelson Livestock Company . . . . . . 76, 135, 147 ORIgen. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123 Prickly Pear Simmental Ranch. . . . . . . . . . . . 45 Rolling Hills Ranch. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147 Stroh Cattle Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147 Walking 5 Ranch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147 Wight Ranches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147 Wolenetz Ranch. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147

Nebraska

APEX Cattle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30, 31 BADJ Cattle Co.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 BF Black Simmental . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 Blue River Gang Sale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 Broken Bar M Ranch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Cattle Connect. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113 Forster Farms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135 Franzen Simmentals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113 Gana Farms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77 Great Basin Bull Sale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102 Groth Angus. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 Hartman Cattle Co. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119 J&C Simmentals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72, 135 Kearns Cattle Co.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119, 127 Meyring Cattle Co.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103 Naber Farms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 One Equals One Simmental and Angus. . . . 102 Powerline Genetics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135 Recip Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77 Rousey SimAngus™ LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111 Ruth Simmentals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 Sandy Acres Simmental. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135 Sloup Simmentals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135 State Line Simmental. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 Stockmen’s Source Beef Bulls. . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Trauernicht Simmentals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 Triangle J Ranch. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3, 62, 63, 135 Western Cattle Source . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132, 135

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AD INDEX North Carolina

Fred Smith Company Ranch . . . . . . . . . . . . 136

North Dakota

701x . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139 7N Simmental Ranch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IFC Bell Simmentals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105, 136 C Diamond Simmentals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IFC Crosshair Simmentals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39, 125 Dakota Xpress . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84, 136 Deckert Simmental Ranch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60 Doll Simmental Ranch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93 Ellingson Simmentals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136 Erbele Ranch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 Finke Simmentals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147 Kaelberer Ranch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136 Keller Broken Heart Ranch. . . . . . . . . . 123, 136 Kenner Simmentals . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74, 75, 136 Kevin Hansen Family . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84 Klain Simmental Ranch . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92, 136 Kline Simmental Ranch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58, 59 Koepplin’s Black Simmentals . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Kunkel Simmentals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97 Quandt Cattle Co. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38, 39 Rust Mountain View Ranch . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136 Silver Dollar Simmentals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136 SRF Simmentals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136 SYS Simmentals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136 TNT Simmental Ranch . . . . . . . . . . . 39, 57, 136 Wade Staigle Family . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84 Wilkinson Farms Simmentals. . . . . . . . . 17, 146

Ohio

Select Sires®, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3, 98 T Bar S Simmentals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Oklahoma

Willis Simmentals. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137

Oregon

Bar CK Cattle Co. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139

South Dakota

3C Christensen Ranch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80, 137 Benda Ranch Simmentals . . . . . . . . . . . 46, 137 C-Lock Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91 CK Cattle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117 Ckeffling.com. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117 Double J Farms Simmental Cattle . . . . 137, 143 Eichacker Simmentals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53, 137 Ekstrum Simmentals & Simm/Genetics . . . . . 48 Hart Simmentals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 Hoefker, Ross . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 Hohn, Sutton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Jackpot Cattle Co. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137 Jared Werning Cattle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110 JK Angus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 Kapperman, Billy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 Lazy J Bar Ranch. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68 NLC Simmental Ranch . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80, 137 S/M Fleckvieh Cattle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Schnabel Ranch Simmentals. . . . . . . . . . . . . 68 Stavick Simmental . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85, 137 Traxinger Simmental . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137 Trifecta Cattle Co. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126 Wager Cattle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Werning Cattle Company . . . . . 39, 70, 71, 137

150

SIMTALK

CONTINUED

Windy Creek Cattle Company . . . . . . . . . . . 121

Tennessee

Gen3 Genetics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122 Martin Farms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137 Red Hill Farms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137, 148

Texas

3B Cattle Co. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119 La Muñeca Cattle Co. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 M&E Cattle Co. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119 Pine Ridge Ranch, LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37, 134 Shipman, Jered, Auctioneer . . . . . . . . . . . . 137 Shipwreck Cattle Co. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119 STgenetics™ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98

Utah

Lyman Livestock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3, 61

Virginia

McDonald Farms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Washington

Trinity Farms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86

Wisconsin

ABS® Global, Inc.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1, 80, 137 Arndt Farms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Double J Ranch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122 GENEX™ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123 Reiny Way Acres . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122 Trails End Cattle. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Trails End Simmentals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Wyoming

Black Summit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137, 141, 147 P/T Livestock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147 Wishbone Simmental. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118

Canada

Ashworth Farm & Ranch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IFC

Associations

American Simmental Association . . . 34, 35, 42, 66, 67, 82, 83, 90, 96, 100, 104, 105, 108, 112, 116, 128, 140, 142, 143, 152 International Genetic Solutions (IGS) . . . 12, 124 Montana Simmental Association . . . . . 142, 147

Livestock Services

701x . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139 ABS® Global, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1, 80, 137 All Beef. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3, 50, 65 All Purpose Index ($API) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112 Allied Genetic Resources . . . 2, 5, 7, 27, 47, 50, 52, 61, 73, 76, 91, 97, 98, 107, 113, 114, 126, 131, 132, 137, 141, 146, 148, 149, IBC ASA Performance Advocate . . . . . . . 2, 91, 135, 143, 148 C-Lock Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91 Calf Crop Genomics (CCG) . . . . . . . 42, 67, 143 Carcass Expansion Project (CXP) . . . . . 67, 128 Carcass Merit Program (CMP) . . . . . . . 67, 116, 128, 137 Cattle Visions . . . . . . 54, 69, 78, 79, 94, 95, 137 CCI.Live . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87, 117, 122 Cow Herd DNA Roundup (CHR) . . . . . . 67, 143 Data Genie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 DVAuction . . . . . IFC, 13, 16, 17, 25, 27, 29, 39, 43, 44, 46, 48, 49, 51, 52, 57, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 71, 75, 81, 84, 85, 89, 97, 98, 99, 103, 105, 107, 111, 113, 115, 117, 123, 125, 132, 133, 143, 145, 146, 148

Eberspacher Enterprises Inc. . . . 41, 43, 45, 47, 49, 51, 53, 55 Fall Focus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142 GENEX™ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123 IGS Feeder Profit Calculator™. . . 104, 124, 136 IGS Multi-breed Genetic Evaluation (IGS) . . . 12 Innovation AgMarketing, LLC . . . . . . 71, 87, 99, 103, 110, 115, 117, 119, 127 International Genetic Solutions (IGS) . . . . . . 12, 124, 136 LiveAg . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7, 31, 118, 119, 131 LiveAuctions.TV . . . . . . . . . 41, 45, 55, 118, 139 LivestockMarket.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72 Optimum Genomics LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 ORIgen. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123 Recip Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77 RightBull . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 RightChoice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7, 50 RightMate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 Select Sires®, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3, 98 Sexcel® . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Shipman, Jered, Auctioneer . . . . . . . . . . . . 137 STgenetics™ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98 Superior Livestock Auction . . . . . 7, 50, 76, 114, 133, 141, IBC Top Genomics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 Total Herd Enrollment (THE) . . . . 17, 46, 67, 91, 108, 117, 135, 137, 143 U.S. Premium Beef . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Unlimited Genetics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

Miscellaneous

All Purpose Index ($API) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112 ASA Performance Advocate . . . . . . . 2, 91, 135, 143, 148 ASA Publication, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . 70, 100, 120 Balance the Scales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82, 83 Business Card Ads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120 Calf Crop Genomics (CCG) . . . . . . . 42, 67, 143 Carcass Expansion Project (CXP) . . . . . 67, 128 Carcass Merit Program (CMP) . . . . . . . 67, 116, 128, 137 Check Us Out Online . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140 Clarity is Cash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34, 35, 147 Cow Herd DNA Roundup (CHR) . . . . . . 67, 143 Digital Promotion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100 Fall Focus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142 IGS Feeder Profit Calculator™. . . 104, 124, 136 Know. Or Guess. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124 More Per Head Period . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96 New DNA Requirement for Herd Sires . . . . . . 90 No Lightweights. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104 Profit Predictor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112 Reach, Promote, Grow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100 Reserve Your Space . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70 Sales Call . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100, 134 SimGenetics Profit Through Science . . . 67, 82, 96, 104, 105, 108, 128, 142, 152 SimTalk. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130, 152 Sire Source . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130, 152 Total Herd Enrollment (THE) . . . . 17, 46, 67, 91, 108, 117, 135, 137, 143 Trust the Original . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Your Data. His Future . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108

ST

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